Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IV, Task J
The Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with glassy water approach and landing.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduction:0:05Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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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.
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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
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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.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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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.
- 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 Glassy Water Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Glassy 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, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Part 4, Glassy 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)
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- 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
Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with glassy water approach and landing
- Note: If a glassy 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 4 ACS Elements
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PA.IV.J.K1: A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts. -
PA.IV.J.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance. -
PA.IV.J.K3: When and why glassy water techniques are used. -
PA.IV.J.K4: How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
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PA.IV.J.R1: Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance. -
PA.IV.J.R2: Water surface/condition. -
PA.IV.J.R3: Planning for a go-around and rejected landing. -
PA.IV.J.R4: -
PA.IV.J.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
PA.IV.J.R6: -
PA.IV.J.R7: Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Skills 9 ACS Elements
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PA.IV.J.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
PA.IV.J.S2: -
PA.IV.J.S3: Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions. -
PA.IV.J.S4: Select a proper approach and landing path considering the landing surface, visual attitude references, water depth, and Collision hazards. -
PA.IV.J.S5: 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.J.S6: Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots. -
PA.IV.J.S7: Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown. -
PA.IV.J.S8: Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, and slow to idle taxi speed. -
PA.IV.J.S9: Maintain directional control throughout the approach and landing.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Glassy 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 Glassy Water Approach and Landing prepares private pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.
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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.