PA.IV.J.K4FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge
How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.
How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.
Bottom line
There are some simple ways to overcome the visual illusions and increase safety during glassy water landings. Always perform glassy water landings with power: fly a normal approach, but prepare as though intending to land at an altitude well above the surface. At approximately 200 feet above the surface, raise the nose to the attitude normally used for touchdown.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| no more than 150 f.p.m. during the glassy water landing descent | Descent rate |
| approximately 10 knots above stall speed | Airspeed |
| 200 feet above the surface when no current altimeter setting is available and few visual cues exist | Target altitude |
| approximately 200 feet above the surface | Transition altitude |
FAA references
- SEA ch. 6 (p. 6-6) — FAA-H-8083-23
- SEA ch. 9 (p. 9-4) — FAA-H-8083-23
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