PPL.IV.J — Glassy Water Approach and Landing

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

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• PA.IV.J.K1A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts.
• PA.IV.J.K2Effects of atmospheric conditions on approach and landing performance.
• PA.IV.J.K3When and why glassy water techniques are used.
• PA.IV.J.K4How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.

Risk Management

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

• PA.IV.J.R1Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance.
• PA.IV.J.R2Water surface/condition.
• PA.IV.J.R3Planning for go-around and rejected landing
• PA.IV.J.R4Collision hazards, to include aircraft, vessels, persons, wildlife, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• PA.IV.J.R5Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT.
• PA.IV.J.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• PA.IV.J.S1Complete the appropriate checklist.
• PA.IV.J.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• PA.IV.J.S3Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions
• PA.IV.J.S4Consider landing surface, obstructions, and select the proper landing path.
• PA.IV.J.S5Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
• PA.IV.J.S6Maintain manufacturer’s published airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots.
• PA.IV.J.S7Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
• PA.IV.J.S8Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, and slow to idle taxi speed.
• PA.IV.J.S9Maintain directional control throughout the approach and landing.