Pegasus Aviation Service, LLC

Softfield Approach & Landing BACK to Index

DescriptionAn approach to and landing on a soft or rough runway. Power can be used during the round-out and flare to provide a high degree of control so that the touchdown is as gentle and slow as possible. The nose gear should be lowered gently to the runway surface after the main gear is on the runway and brakes should be applied as necessary as to not allow excess weight on the nosewheel. ObjectiveTo develop the student’s ability to obtain maximum performance from the airplane so that a soft touchdown at the slowest possible airspeed can be made. Procedure• Prepare for landing. Complete before landing checklist. Execute downwind, and base as normal.• Fly a stabilized approach. Maintain normal descent angle unless obstacles are present. After turning final add flaps to 30º, and then 40º. “Heels on the floor and back” must be verbalized by the pilot flying on short final or go-around must be initiated.• Flare and touch down. Just prior to the round out, reduce power to idle and continue flare with stall horn audible as main wheels touch down with nose-high pitch. If necessary, a slight addition of power during touchdown will aid in softening the landing.• Roll out. Hold sufficient back elevator pressure to keep the nose wheel off the ground until it can no longer be held off the surface. Avoid the use of brakes as necessary to not allow excess weight to be applied to the nosewheel. ACS Standards• Complete the appropriate checklist.• Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.• Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.• Consider the wind conditions, landing surface, obstructions, and select a suitable touchdown point.• Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.• Maintain manufacturer’s published airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3o Private: +10/-5 knotso Commercial: +/-5 knots• Maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.• Make smooth, timely, and correct control inputs during the round out and touchdown, for tricycle gear airplanes, keep the nose wheel off the surface• Touch 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.• Maintain elevator as recommended by manufacturer during rollout and exit the “soft” area at a speed that would preclude sinking into the surface.• Execute a timely go-around if the approach cannot be made within tolerances specified above or for any other condition that may result in an unsafe approach or landing.• Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.