Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IV, Task F

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Short-Field Approach and Landing:
    0:10
    Part 3, Short-field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    0:15
    Part 4, Short-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:

    • The goal of the short-field approach and landing is to maximize aircraft performance in order to safely and accurately land when runway distance is limited
      • The approach is made with minimum engine power commensurate with flying towards the aiming point on the runway
      • This will result in a steeper approach than otherwise flown with other landing procedures
      • Speed must be reduced progressively as the aircraft's height reduces, and after reaching the airspeed for final approach it must be maintained accurately. After touch-down, the pilot applies maximum wheel braking and maximum up-elevator. Wing-flaps are sometimes retracted to allow better braking performance
      • Tips:
        • Touchdown as close to the approach end as safely possible
        • Utilize maximum braking available
        • Keep tires on the ground to keep friction
        • Land into a headwind
        • Land as the lowest weight possible
Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
Skills 13 ACS Elements
  • PA.IV.F.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.F.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.F.S3:
    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
  • PA.IV.F.S4:
    Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.F.S5:
    Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.F.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.F.S7:
    Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied.
  • PA.IV.F.S8:
    Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.F.S9:
    Make smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown.
  • PA.IV.F.S10:
    Touch down at a proper pitch attitude within 200 feet beyond or on the specified point, threshold markings, or runway numbers, with no side drift, minimum float, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.
  • PA.IV.F.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.F.S13:
    Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Short 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 Short Field Approach and Landing prepares private 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.