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6. TP 13462 - Flight Test Guide - Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane
7. Flight Test Items - Ex. 18 Approach and Landing

Flight Test Items - Ex. 18 Approach and Landing

The candidate will demonstrate:

1. a power-off 180° accuracy approach and landing from circuit height; and
   
   
2. a short-field landing over an actual or simulated obstacle or a soft-field landing; and
   
   
3. an overshoot.

Assessment of approaches and landings will be based on the candidate’s ability to select the proper approach profile for the actual or simulated conditions.  Where practicable, one of the landings should be based on the previously calculated performance.  If conditions and traffic permit, at least one of the landings should be completed under crosswind conditions.  “Touch and Go” landings are not permitted for the evaluation of landings.

The candidate will be expected to use the correct procedure and technique for the actual wind conditions, landing surface and length or those specified by the examiner, to assess the possibility of further conditions such as wind shear and wake turbulence, and to execute overshoot procedures.

Note:  The candidate must be able to explain the necessity for any variation from recommended speeds, e.g. gusty or crosswind conditions.

A.  Power-off 180° Accuracy Approach and Landing

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to execute a gliding approach from circuit height, without power, and land safely on a specified touchdown point with a degree of accuracy.

Description

The power-off 180º accuracy approach and landing will be initiated from normal or assigned circuit height and result in a gliding approach from circuit height to an accurate touchdown and landing. The candidate is expected to close the throttle and initiate the glide on the downwind leg abeam the specified touchdown point but, if traffic does not permit, the gliding descent from circuit height may be delayed until later in the circuit.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

1. consider wind conditions, landing surface and obstacles;
   
   
2. specify a touchdown point that will permit a safe landing;
   
   
3. close the throttle from normal circuit height;
   
   
4. establish a gliding approach at the recommended speed (+10/–5 knots);
   
   
5. complete before-landing checks;
   
   
6. touch down in a normal landing attitude at the specified touchdown point (+400/–50 feet);

Note:  One (1) engine clearing will be allowed before descending through 500 feet AGL. In very cold conditions, the use of some power and flaps while maintaining the same airspeed and a normal gliding rate of descent is acceptable.

B.  Short-Field and Soft-Field Landings

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to safely execute a short-field approach and landing over an actual or simulated obstacle as recommended by the POH/AFM or to execute a soft-field landing using recognized best practices.

Description

For the short or soft field approach and landing, the examiner will clearly specify the simulated surface conditions, obstacles on approach, landing threshold and length of surface available to the candidate. Should the candidate realize, prior to the landing flare, that a short-field landing could not be achieved in the intended touchdown zone, it is acceptable for the candidate to overshoot for a second attempt.

B.1  Short Field Approach and Landing over an Obstacle

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

1. perform an effective passenger safety review;
   
   
2. consider wind conditions and actual or simulated landing surface and obstacles;
   
   
3. specify a touchdown point;
   
   
4. execute the initial approach using recommended airspeeds and configurations;
   
   
5. fly a final approach profile that clears any actual or simulated obstacle, and results in the appropriate configuration and one of the following speeds at a height of 50 feet:
   
   
   1. the recommended final approach speed, corrected for the actual landing weight in accordance with POH charts or tables (+10/–5 knots); or in the absence of charts or tables
      
      
   2. 1.3 V_SO corrected for the landing weight as determined in Ex.2B (+10/–5 knots); or
      
      
   3. the minimum safe speed for existing conditions, such as gusty or crosswind conditions.
      
      
6. maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing;
   
   
7. make smooth, timely and correct control application during the landing flare and touchdown;
   
   
8. touch down at the specified touchdown point (+100/–50 feet) with no drift, and with the longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centreline/landing path, in accordance with the POH/AFM or best accepted practice for the aeroplane type;
   
   
9. apply brakes, without excessive lockup or skidding, and stop safely in the shortest distance;
   
   
10. complete appropriate checks.

B.2  Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

1. perform an effective passenger safety review;
   
   
2. consider wind conditions, landing surface and obstacles;
   
   
3. select the most suitable touchdown zone;
   
   
4. execute the initial approach using recommended airspeeds and configurations;
   
   
5. fly a final approach profile that clears any actual or simulated obstacle, and results in the appropriate configuration and one of the following speeds at a height of 50 feet:
   
   
   1. the recommended final approach speed, corrected for the actual landing weight in accordance with POH charts or tables (+10/–5 knots); or in the absence of charts or tables
      
      
   2. 1.3 V_SO corrected for the landing weight as determined in Ex.2B (+10/–5 knots); or
      
      
   3. the minimum safe speed for existing conditions (E.g. gusty or crosswind conditions).
      
      
6. maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing;
   
   
7. touch down in the first one third (1/3) of the runway/landing surface;
   
   
8. touch down using power as necessary to achieve and maintain the landing attitude for the slowest possible touch down on the main wheels;
   
   
9. keep the nose wheel off the ground as long as possible with appropriate use of power and elevator control, while decelerating in consideration of the remaining length of available runway;
   
   
10. complete appropriate checks.

C.  Overshoot

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to execute an overshoot as recommended by the POH/AFM or published best practices.

Description

The overshoot will be carried out on command of the examiner or, if necessary may be initiated by the candidate, and will be assessed from any of the landing approaches, the forced landing or precautionary landing.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

1. overshoot on command or make a timely decision to discontinue the approach to landing;
   
   
2. promptly and smoothly apply maximum allowable power and establish the pitch attitude that will stop the descent;
   
   
3. retract flaps in stages or as recommended by the manufacturer;
   
   
4. retract the landing gear (where applicable) after a positive rate of climb is established;
   
   
5. accelerate to and maintain the recommended climb speed (+10/–5 knots);
   
   
6. maintain maximum allowable power to a safe manoeuvring height then, where applicable, set climb power (±0.5” MP, ±50 RPM);
   
   
7. complete the appropriate checks.

Date modified:

2010-05-20

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