Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Rough Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area V, Task L
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Rough Water Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rough water approach and landing.
Introduction
-
Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduction:0:05Part 2, Rough Water Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Rough Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 4, Rough Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
-
Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
-
Motivator:
- Soft field takeoffs maximize performance when departing from a soft or rough runway surface
- Otherwise "hard" surfaces can become "soft" following rainstorms or disturbance
- These soft and rough surfaces provide unique challenges which may make the aircraft harder to control and reduce acceleration
- Additionally, with soft and perhaps bumpy surfaces, you are at risk of getting the nose wheel stuck
- For this reason, procedures may specify a flap setting
Materials
-
Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
-
Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
-
Reference Materials:
- Takeoff and Climb Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Taxiing Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Radio Communications Supplement.
- Approach and Landing Supplement.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Introduce Rough Water Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Rough Water Approach and Landing:
- Introduce collision hazards.
- Introduce low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Introduce distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Introduce runway incursion risks.
- Part 3, Rough Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Part 4, Rough Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Guided Scenario(s)
- .
- Related scenarios:
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Rough Water Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rough water approach and landing
- Note: If a rough water condition does not exist, the applicant must be evaluated by simulating the Task
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23 (Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
-
CA.IV.L.K1: A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts. -
CA.IV.L.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance. -
CA.IV.L.K3: Wind correction techniques on approach and landing. -
CA.IV.L.K4: When and why rough water techniques are used. -
CA.IV.L.K5: How to perform a proper rough water approach and landing.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
-
CA.IV.L.R1: Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind. -
CA.IV.L.R2: Effects of:-
CA.IV.L.R2a: Crosswind. -
CA.IV.L.R2b: Windshear. -
CA.IV.L.R2c: Tailwind. -
CA.IV.L.R2d: Wake turbulence. -
CA.IV.L.R2e: Water surface/condition.
-
-
CA.IV.L.R3: Planning for go-around and rejected landing. -
CA.IV.L.R4: -
CA.IV.L.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.IV.L.R6: -
CA.IV.L.R7: Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Skills 10 ACS Elements
-
CA.IV.L.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
CA.IV.L.S2: -
CA.IV.L.S3: Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned waterway. -
CA.IV.L.S4: Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions. -
CA.IV.L.S5: Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions. -
CA.IV.L.S6: Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach. -
CA.IV.L.S7: Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, ±5 knots with gust factor applied. -
CA.IV.L.S8: Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing. -
CA.IV.L.S9: Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown. -
CA.IV.L.S10: Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, considering the type of rough water.
Conclusion
-
Re-Motivation:
- Rough Water Approach and Landing requires disciplined planning, stabilized energy management, and precise control from the approach through touchdown and rollout.
- Evaluating wind, runway conditions, obstacles, aircraft performance, and personal limitations helps pilots recognize when an approach remains safe and when a timely go-around is required.
- Consistent airspeed control, runway alignment, traffic scanning, communication, and checklist discipline integrate aircraft handling with sound operational judgment.
- Continued practice with Rough Water Approach and Landing prepares commercial pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.
-
Closure:
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.