COMM.IV.D — Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL)

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a soft-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

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

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• CA.IV.D.R1Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• CA.IV.D.R2Effects of:
  • CA.IV.D.R2aa. Crosswind
  • CA.IV.D.R2bb. Windshear
  • CA.IV.D.R2cc. Tailwind
  • CA.IV.D.R2dd. Wake turbulence
  • CA.IV.D.R2ee. Runway surface/condition
• CA.IV.D.R3Planning for:
  • CA.IV.D.R3a a. Go-around and rejected landing
  • CA.IV.D.R3b b. Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)
• CA.IV.D.R4Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, persons, and wildlife.
• CA.IV.D.R5Low altitude maneuvering including, stall, spin, or CFIT.
• CA.IV.D.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• CA.IV.D.S1Complete the appropriate checklist.
• CA.IV.D.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• CA.IV.D.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
• CA.IV.D.S4Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
• CA.IV.D.S5Consider the wind conditions, landing surface, obstructions, and select and aim for a suitable touchdown point.
• CA.IV.D.S6Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
• CA.IV.D.S7Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, ±5 knots with gust factor applied.
• CA.IV.D.S8Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
• CA.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.
• CA.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.
• CA.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.
• CA.IV.D.S13Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.