PPL Checkride Guide
← Area IV. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds

Task IV.F

Short-Field Approach and Landing

ASELAMEL

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with short-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Chair fly this task

Quick Review

Tolerances per FAA-S-ACS-6C (ASEL).

Technique Notes

The rollout flow:

The order matters: retracting the flaps first dumps the leftover lift onto the wheels, which is what makes the braking actually work; the yoke full aft keeps weight on the mains and adds aerodynamic drag.

Approach

  • Stabilized, full-flap approach at the POH short-field speed — airspeed discipline is the whole game. Fast means float, and float eats the +200 ft window.
  • Aiming point short of the intended touchdown point, power and pitch working together to hold the glidepath.
  • Minimal float: close the throttle over the threshold and touch down at minimum controllable speed, on the mains, with the airplane aligned (no drift).
  • Never touch down short of the specified point — the tolerance is +200/−0.

Official ACS elementsreference

Knowledge3 elements

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.IV.F.K1A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
  • PA.IV.F.K2Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
  • PA.IV.F.K3Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
Risk Management13 elements

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.IV.F.R1Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • PA.IV.F.R2Effects of:
  • PA.IV.F.R2aa. Crosswind
  • PA.IV.F.R2bb. Windshear
  • PA.IV.F.R2cc. Tailwind
  • PA.IV.F.R2dd. Wake turbulence
  • PA.IV.F.R2ee. Landing surface/condition
  • PA.IV.F.R3Planning for:
  • PA.IV.F.R3aa. Rejected landing and go-around
  • PA.IV.F.R3bb. Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)
  • PA.IV.F.R4Collision hazards.
  • PA.IV.F.R5Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • PA.IV.F.R6Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills13 elements

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.IV.F.S1Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.F.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.F.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
  • PA.IV.F.S4Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.F.S5Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.F.S6Establish 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.S7Maintain 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.S8Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.F.S9Make smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown.
  • PA.IV.F.S10Touch 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.S11Use manufacturer’s recommended procedures for airplane configuration and braking.
  • PA.IV.F.S12Execute 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.S13Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.