Objective:

To develop the skill and proficiency necessary to safely and accurately execute an approach, landing, and rollout in normal and crosswind conditions.

Elements:

  1. Determine landing performance and limitations for the aircraft at airport of intended landing.
  2. Determine wind conditions and calculate the crosswind component.
  3. Landing surface, obstructions, and other hazards should be considered.
  4. Compy with proper traffic pattern procedures.
  5. Maintain traffic pattern atltitude ±100 feet and appropriate airspeed, ±10 kts.
  6. Set proper landing configuration and adjust pitch attitude for speed and power for rate of decent.
  7. Maintain a stabilized approach at recommended airspeed (1.3 Vso, +10/-5), trim as necessary.
  8. Proper coordination of flight controls to maintain a precise ground track relative to runway centerline.
  9. Be aware of and discuss wind shear and wake turbulence.
  10. Use the most suitable crosswind technique.
  11. Timing, judgment, and control technique during roundout and touchdown.
  12. Touch down smoothly at approximately the stall speed, at or within 400 feet beyond a specified point, with no drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with the runway centerline.
  13. Maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.
  14. Display proper use of brakes.
  15. Complete the appropriate checklist.

Common Errors:

  1. Improper use of landing performance data and limitations.
  2. Attempting to land with crosswind exceeding ability.
  3. Failure to establish approach and landing configuration at appropriate time or in proper sequence.
  4. Failure to establish and maintain a stabilized approach.
  5. Not compensating for the increased drag due to side slip (crosswind correction).
  6. Improper technique in use of power, wing flaps, and trim.
  7. Touchdown more than 400 feet beyond selected point.
  8. Inappropriate removal of hand from throttle.
  9. Improper technique during roundout and touchdown.
  10. Poor directional control after touchdown.
  11. Improper use of brakes.

References:

  • FAA Private Pilot PTS
  • Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 8-1 – 8-17

Notes:

Try landing without full flaps.
Always be ready for go-around!
Density Altitude Makes All Fields Short b/c higher ground speed.
Wake turbulence, windshear, collision avoidance.