Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area V, Task D

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with soft-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing:
    0:10
    Part 3, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    0:15
    Part 4, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
    0:10
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total 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:

    • .
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
  • PA.IV.D.K1:
    A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts.
  • PA.IV.D.K2:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
  • PA.IV.D.K3:
    Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
Skills 13 ACS Elements
  • PA.IV.D.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.D.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.D.S3:
    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
  • PA.IV.D.S4:
    Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.D.S5:
    Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.D.S6:
    Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
  • PA.IV.D.S7:
    Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, ±5 knots with gust factor applied.
  • PA.IV.D.S8:
    Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.D.S9:
    Make 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.
  • PA.IV.D.S10:
    Touch 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.
  • PA.IV.D.S12:
    Execute 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.
  • PA.IV.D.S13:
    Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Soft Field 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 Soft Field 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.