XIV.D.

Short-Field Approach and Landing__________________________________________

References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
3. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilot Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-14
4. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-20 / 2-20
5. Pilots Operating Handbook (POH)
6. FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual

Objective To provide the pilot with an understanding of a Short Field Approach and Landing.

Elements 1 Planning Performance and Limitations

2. Configuration and trim
3. Proper use of pitch and power to maintain desired approach angle
4. Barriers and other hazards
5. Effect of wind
6. Selection of touchdown and go around points
7. Stabilized approach
8. Coordination of flight controls
9. Precise ground track
10. Timing, judgement and control technique during roundout and touchdown
11. Directional control after touchdown
12. Use of brakes
13. Use of checklists

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. Airplane Flying Handbook

2. Private/Commercial PTS
3. White board and markers
4. Model airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the
Standards elements related to a Short-Field Approach and Landing.

XIV.D. Short-Field Approach and Landing

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Instructor’s Notes: Short – Field Approach and Landing_______________________________
INTRODUCTION:
WHAT? – A maximum performance landing at fields with a limiting landing area due to obstructions or length of
runway available.
WHY? - It may become necessary to land your aircraft at a field that has an obstacle in the approach path, and / or
has a marginal amount of runway available. It requires touch down at the slowest possible airspeed to
produce shortest ground roll.
OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Short-Field Approaches and Landings,
including:
1. Planning Performance and Limitations
2. Approach Procedure
3. Landing Procedure

DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) Planning Performance and Limitations
A.) Obviously, short final is too late to determine if runway is long enough. (FAR 91.103)
B.) Perform Landing Distance calculations
2.) Approach Procedure

4deg GP

3deg GP
A.) Approach, Descent, Final, and After Landing Checks as normal
B.) Enter Downwind Normal
1. 93 Kts (2250), 10 deg Flaps
2. Don’t descend at 90 deg
a) To stay high for steeper descent angle
3. Select Landing point and plan for obstacle clearance
a) Clear Obstacle as close as possible consistent with safety
b) Maximize available runway
4. Select a go-around point, one that will allow climb back to the pattern with sufficient margin for
error.
C.) Start descent at 45 deg
1. 93 Kts (1650), 10 deg Flaps
a) Lower Power stetting due to steeper descent angle
D.) Turn base normal at 60 deg
1. 83 Kts (1650), 25 deg Flaps
E.) At final, establish as soon as possible. Full Flaps, etc…
1. Complete final check
2. 63 Kts (1600), 40 deg Flaps
3. Similar to “Slow Flight”
3.) Landing Procedure
A.) Maintain Approach speed 63 Kts. (Plus half gust factor if applicable)
1. Intent is to reduce floating at roundout
2. Trim for descent (as always)
B.) Coordination
1. Pitch and Power Combination
2. Give example and point out pitch/power change effects.
C.) Clear Obstacle as close as possible consistent with safety
1. Maximize available runway
XIV.D. Short-Field Approach and Landing
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 D.) Pilot perspective
1. Runway will appear Longer than normal
2. Keep runway centerline
a) Wind Effects
(1) Wind correction as Normal
(a) Crab to 100 feet (approx.), then transition to wing low method
(2) Head wind will steepen glide path and lower ground speed
(3) Tail wind will flatten glide path and increase ground speed
3. Select aiming point
a) Point should be approx. 100 feet before touchdown point
b) Aiming Point may not be on runway
c) Maintain aiming point position on windscreen
(1) If Point rises, then you will undershoot
(2) If Point lowers, then you will overshoot
d) At 100 feet or so transition focus to down the runway to avoid early flare
E.) Touchdown
1. Landing should be firm
a) No flare at speed would slam runway, excessive speed would float
2. At touchdown
a) Retract Flaps
b) Apply Max Braking (most Brakes with out skidding)
c) Apply Back Pressure on Yoke to transfer weight to main tires
(1) Tricycle gear only
d) Maintain directional control
(1) Even application of brakes
(2) Maintain cross wind correction all the way to the parking area.
COMMON ERRORS:
1.) Improper use of landing performance data and limitations
2.) Failure to establish approach and landing configuration at proper time or sequence
3.) Failure to est. and maintain a stabilized approach
4.) Failure to consider the effect of wind and the landing surface
5.) Improper technique in use of power, laps or trim
6.) Removing hand from throttle
7.) Improper technique during roundout and flare
8.) Failure to hold backpressure after touchdown
9.) Closing the throttle too soon after touchdown
10.) Poor directional control
11.) Improper use of brakes

CONCLUSION
REVIEW
1.) To summarize, we talked about:
A.) Planning Performance and Limitations
B.) Approach Procedure
C.) Landing Procedure

XIV.D. Short-Field Approach and Landing

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PRIVATE PTS
1.) Considers wind, landing surface and obstructions and picks best touchdown point
2.) Stabilized approach with configuration and airspeed +10/-5 Kts w/ gust factor
3.) Smooth, timely and correct flare and touchdown
4.) Touches down at or beyond specified point +200 / -0 feet with no side drift, centerline
5.) Applies brakes to stop in the shortest distance (Safely)
6.) Maintains crosswind correction and directional control

COMMERCIAL PTS
1.) Considers wind, landing surface and obstructions and picks best touchdown point
2.) Stabilized approach with configuration and airspeed +/-5 Kts w/ gust factor
3.) Smooth, timely and correct flare and touchdown
4.) Aware of wind shear and / or wake turbulence
5.) Touches down at or beyond specified point +100 / -0 feet with no side drift or float and centerline
6.) Applies brakes to stop in the shortest distance (Safely)
7.) Maintains crosswind correction and directional control

COMPLETION
STANDARDS:
This lesson will be complete when student has an understanding of Short-Field Approach and Landing.

XIV.D. Short-Field Approach and Landing

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