PPL.IV.L — Rough Water Approach and Landing

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:

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

• PA.IV.L.R1Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• PA.IV.L.R2Effects of:
  • PA.IV.L.R2aa. Crosswind
  • PA.IV.L.R2bb. Windshear
  • PA.IV.L.R2cc. Tailwind
  • PA.IV.L.R2dd. Wake turbulence
  • PA.IV.L.R2ee. Water surface/condition
• PA.IV.L.R3Planning for go-around and rejected landing.
• PA.IV.L.R4Collision hazards, to include aircraft, vessels, persons, wildlife, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• PA.IV.L.R5Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT
• PA.IV.L.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.
• PA.IV.L.R7Failure to confirm gear position in an amphibious airplane.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• PA.IV.L.S1Complete the appropriate checklist.
• PA.IV.L.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• PA.IV.L.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned waterway.
• PA.IV.L.S4Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions.
• PA.IV.L.S5Consider wind conditions, landing surface, obstructions, and select the proper landing path.
• PA.IV.L.S6Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
• PA.IV.L.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.L.S8Maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.
• PA.IV.L.S9Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
• PA.IV.L.S10Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, considering the type of rough water.