PPL Checkride Guide
← Area IV. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds

Task IV.B

Normal Approach and Landing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls.

Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Knowledge3 elements

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.IV.B.K1A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
  • PA.IV.B.K2Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
  • PA.IV.B.K3Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
Risk Management13 elements

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.IV.B.R1Selection of runway/landing surface, approach path, and touchdown area based on pilot capability, aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • PA.IV.B.R2Effects of:
  • PA.IV.B.R2aa. Crosswind
  • PA.IV.B.R2bb. Windshear
  • PA.IV.B.R2cc. Tailwind
  • PA.IV.B.R2dd. Wake turbulence
  • PA.IV.B.R2ee. Landing surface/condition
  • PA.IV.B.R3Planning for:
  • PA.IV.B.R3aa. Rejected landing and go-around
  • PA.IV.B.R3bb. Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)
  • PA.IV.B.R4Collision hazards.
  • PA.IV.B.R5Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • PA.IV.B.R6Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills12 elements

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.IV.B.S1Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.B.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.B.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway or landing surface.
  • PA.IV.B.S4Scan the runway or landing surface and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.B.S5Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.B.S6Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
  • PA.IV.B.S7Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 times the stalling speed or the minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration (VSO), +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied.
  • PA.IV.B.S8Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.B.S9Make smooth, timely, and correct control application during round out and touchdown.
  • PA.IV.B.S10Touch down at a proper pitch attitude, within 400 feet beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center/landing path.
  • PA.IV.B.S11Execute a timely go-around if the approach cannot be made within the tolerances specified above or for any other condition that may result in an unsafe approach or landing.
  • PA.IV.B.S12Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.

Overview

Study notes for Normal Approach and Landing are coming soon. The official ACS elements for this task are listed above — use them as your checklist while the full study guide is being written.

Key Knowledge

Content coming soon.

Common DPE Questions

Content coming soon.

References

AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM