Soft-Field Approach and Landing

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

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

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

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

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

• PA.IV.D.S1Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
• PA.IV.D.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• PA.IV.D.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
• PA.IV.D.S4Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
• PA.IV.D.S5Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
• PA.IV.D.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.D.S7Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied.
• PA.IV.D.S8Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
• PA.IV.D.S9Make smooth, timely, and correct control inputs during the round out and touchdown, and, for tricycle gear airplanes, keep the nose wheel off the surface until loss of elevator effectiveness.
• PA.IV.D.S10Touch down at a proper pitch attitude with minimum sink rate, no side drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with the center of the runway.
• PA.IV.D.S11Maintain elevator as recommended by manufacturer during rollout and exit the “soft” area at a speed that would preclude sinking into the surface.
• PA.IV.D.S12Execute 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.D.S13Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.