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AA.VII.A.R3FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Altitude, wind, terrain, and obstruction considerations in an emergency.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Altitude, wind, terrain, and obstruction considerations in an emergency.

Bottom line

Operating over water may not provide a suitable surface for an emergency landing. The many variables, such as altitude, obstruction, wind direction, landing direction, landing surface and gradient, and landing distance requirements of the airplane, determine the pattern and approach procedures to use.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-8) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AC 91-74, para. 1-5 — AC No: 91-74A
  4. AC 91-74, para. 5-8, 6-2 — AC No: 91-74A
  5. 14 CFR 91.515 (Flight altitude rules.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  6. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  7. PHAK ch. 8 (p. 8-6) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  8. PHAK ch. 7 (p. 7-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  9. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-28) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  10. SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-8) — FAA-H-8083-23
  11. AC 91-74 Appendix 1 — AC No: 91-74A
  12. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-12) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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