XIV.E.

Soft – Field Approach and Landing____________________________________

References:
1. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
2. Commercial PTS
3. Private PTS
4. Pilot’s Operating Handbook
5. Flight Instructor’s PTS

Objective The objective of this task is to determine if the SP exhibits instructional

knowledge of the elements related to Soft Field Landings.

Elements 1. How to determine landing performance

2. Configuration and trim
3. Obstructions and other hazards
4. Selection of touchdown area
5. Stabilized approach at recommended airspeed
6. Coordination of flight controls
7. Precise ground track
8. Timing and judgement
9. Touchdown in landing attitude, min. airspeed
10. Proper use of power
11. Directional control after touchdown
12. Use of checklist

Schedule 1. Discuss lesson objectives 03

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

Equipment 1. Airplane Fling 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’ Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to question

Completion This lesson will be complete when the SP demonstrates an understanding of the
Standards elements related to Soft Field Landings.

XIV.E. Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Page 1 of 3
Instructor’s Notes: Soft Field Approach and Landing___________________________

INTRODUCTION:
WHAT? – A soft field approach is a normal approach made on fields that are rough or have a soft surface
such as snow, sand, mud or tall grass. The procedure requires a different landing style in that you try to
keep the mains off the runway as long as possible in order to dissipate speed and land softly. The nose
wheel is kept of the surface as long as possible.
WHY? – Due to a soft runway there is an increased possibility that on landing the gear could become
bogged down or even stuck. This places a lot of stress on the gear. Therefore, it is important to keep the
wheels off the surface as long as possible and to dissipate the forward speed at touchdown. The goal is to
have the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as possible.
OVERVIEW – This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Soft Field Approaches and
Landings.

DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) Planning, performance and limitations
A.) Perform landing distance calculations beforehand
B.) Obviously, short final is not the time to be thinking about this
2.) Configuration and trim
A.) Approach and landing checks should be done at the proper time and sequence
B.) Landing and trim configurations should also be done at the proper time and sequence
C.) Consult the POH for airspeeds and flap configurations
3.) Obstruction and other hazards should be considered.
A.) It’s possible you might have to use a combination of landing techniques
4.) Know what the wind is doing and the effect it will have on your landing distance
5.) Selection of your touchdown area
A.) After considering the conditions select the most suitable spot
B.) After selecting your touchdown point select your aiming point
6.) Stabilized approach at the recommended airspeed to the selected touchdown area
A.) Use recommended procedures from the POH for a sort field approach
B.) If one is not recommended, use an airspeed that is not more than 1.3 Vso
C.) Use pitch and power to maintain descent angle and airspeed
7.) Coordination of flight controls
A.) Flight controls should always be used in a coordinated manner
B.) Use no more than 30 deg. bank in the pattern
C.) Be aware of cross controlled situations at low altitude and low airspeeds
D.) Maintain proper crosswind corrections
8.) Maintain a Precise ground track
A.) Use proper crosswind and directional techniques to maintain your ground track in the pattern
9.) Timing and judgement
A.) This is like a normal landing as far as timing goes. The only difference is keeping in some power
to hold the gear off the surface as long as possible
B.) If the round-out is too high the airplane could stall resulting in a hard landing which negates
everything we’re trying to accomplish here
10.) Touchdown in a nose-high attitude t a minimum safe airspeed
A.) We want to maintain some power through the round out and flare. Attempt to keep the
airplane about 1 to 2 feet above the surface as long as possible so the touchdown is made at a
low airspeed with a nose-high pitch attitude
B.) After the mains touch we want to hold sufficient backpressure to keep the nose wheel of the
ground as long as possible
C.) Use the proper crosswind technique to maintain directional control

XIV.E. Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Page 2 of 3
11.) Proper use of power
A.) We need to maintain enough speed while taxiing to keep from becoming bogged down or stuck
B.) Brakes are not needed on a soft surface. There’s usually enough friction to slow the plane
C.) Maintain full backpressure and proper aileron control for crosswinds during all taxi operations
12.) Directional control after touchdown
A.) Use crosswind techniques
B.) Usually retract flaps during the after landing roll to help prevent any damage
13.) Use of checklist
A.) Before landing checklist should be completed on downwind
B.) After landing checklist should be completed after the plane is parked

COMMON ERRORS:
1.) Improper use of landing performance charts
2.) Failure to establish approach and landing configuration at proper time
3.) Failure to establish and maintain a stabilized approach
4.) Failure to consider the effects of wind and landing surface
5.) Improper technique in use of power, flaps and trim
6.) Removal of hand from throttle
7.) Improper technique during round-out and touchdown
8.) Failure to hold constant backpressure after touchdown
9.) Closing the throttle too soon after touchdown
10.) Poor directional control after touchdown
11.) Improper use of brakes

CONCLUSION
PRIVATE PTS
Approach speed 1.3 Vso +10/-5 kts.
COMMERCIAL PTS
Approach speed 1.3 Vso +/-5 knts.

XIV.E. Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Page 3 of 3