COMM.IV.L — Rough Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a rough water approach and landing.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• CA.IV.L.K1A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts.
• CA.IV.L.K2Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
• CA.IV.L.K3Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
• CA.IV.L.K4When and why rough water techniques are used.
• CA.IV.L.K5How a rough water approach and landing is executed.

Risk Management

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

• CA.IV.L.R2Effects of:
  • CA.IV.L.R2aa. Crosswind
  • CA.IV.L.R2bb. Windshear
  • CA.IV.L.R2cc. Tailwind
  • CA.IV.L.R2dd. Wake turbulence
  • CA.IV.L.R2ee. Water surface/condition
• CA.IV.L.R3Planning for go-around and rejected landing.
• CA.IV.L.R4Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vessels, persons, and wildlife.
• CA.IV.L.R5Low altitude maneuvering including, stall, spin, or CFIT.
• CA.IV.L.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.
• CA.IV.L.R7Failure to confirm gear position in an amphibious airplane.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• CA.IV.L.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• CA.IV.L.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned waterway.
• CA.IV.L.S4Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions.
• CA.IV.L.S5Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind, landing surface, and obstructions.
• CA.IV.L.S6Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
• CA.IV.L.S7Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, ±5 knots with gust factor applied.
• CA.IV.L.S8Maintain and directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
• CA.IV.L.S9Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
• CA.IV.L.S10Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, considering the type of rough water.