AI.VII.DFAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023
Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL)
To determine the applicant understands soft-field approach and landing, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Bottom line
Landing on fields that are rough or have soft surfaces, such as snow, sand, mud, or tall grass, requires unique procedures. When landing on such surfaces, the objective is to touch down as smoothly as possible and at the slowest possible landing speed.
FAA references
- AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-23) — FAA-H-8083-3C
Knowledge
- AI.VII.D.K1: Purpose of and procedures for soft-field approach and landing.
- AI.VII.D.K2: A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
- AI.VII.D.K3: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
- AI.VII.D.K4: Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
- AI.VII.D.K5: Common errors related to this Task.
Risk management
- AI.VII.D.R1: Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
- AI.VII.D.R2: Effects of:
- AI.VII.D.R2a: a. Crosswind
- AI.VII.D.R2b: b. Windshear
- AI.VII.D.R2c: c. Tailwind
- AI.VII.D.R2d: d. Wake turbulence
- AI.VII.D.R2e: e. Runway surface/condition
- AI.VII.D.R3: Planning for:
- AI.VII.D.R3a: a. Rejected landing and go-around
- AI.VII.D.R3b: b. Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)
- AI.VII.D.R4: Collision hazards.
- AI.VII.D.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.VII.D.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills
- AI.VII.D.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- AI.VII.D.S2: Make radio calls as appropriate.
- AI.VII.D.S3: Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
- AI.VII.D.S4: Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
- AI.VII.D.S5: Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
- AI.VII.D.S6: Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintai
- AI.VII.D.S7: Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 times the stalling speed or the minimum steady fligh
- AI.VII.D.S8: Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
- AI.VII.D.S9: Make smooth, timely, and correct control inputs during the round out and touchdown, and, for tricycle gear airplanes, keep the nose wheel of
- AI.VII.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 cent
- AI.VII.D.S11: Maintain elevator as recommended by manufacturer during rollout and exit the “soft” area at a speed that would preclude sinking into the sur
- AI.VII.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 i
- AI.VII.D.S13: Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.
- AI.VII.D.S14: Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
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