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

Task IV.D

Soft-Field Approach and Landing

ASEL

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with soft-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

On landings — and especially soft field — rudder alignment is the MOST important thing, even more than the flare. Longitudinal axis parallel to the runway/landing path so there is zero side-load when the wheels touch. A soft touchdown with drift will dig in; a slightly firm one that's perfectly aligned won't.

Flow

  • Normal stabilized approach in the landing configuration.
  • Carry a touch of power through the flare and hold the airplane off, letting it settle onto the mains as softly and as slowly as possible.
  • After touchdown, keep the yoke coming back — hold the nosewheel off with increasing aft pressure as the airplane decelerates, lowering it as gently as possible only when elevator authority runs out.
  • Keep a little power in during the rollout to keep weight off the nose, and stay off the brakes (braking on a soft surface loads the nosewheel and can dig it in).
  • Full aft yoke while taxiing on the soft surface.

Official ACS elementsreference

Knowledge3 elements

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

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

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

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

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.IV.D.S1Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.D.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.D.S3Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
  • PA.IV.D.S4Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.D.S5Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.D.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.D.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.D.S8Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.D.S9Make smooth, timely, and correct control inputs during the round out and touchdown, and, for tricycle gear airplanes, keep the nose wheel off the surface until loss of elevator effectiveness.
  • PA.IV.D.S10Touch down at a proper pitch attitude with minimum sink rate, no side drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with the center of the runway.
  • PA.IV.D.S11Maintain elevator as recommended by manufacturer during rollout and exit the “soft” area at a speed that would preclude sinking into the surface.
  • PA.IV.D.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.D.S13Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.