Normal Approach and Landing
Private Pilot ACS · Area IV · Task B · POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Normal Approach and Landing for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task IV-B, covering normal approach and landing.
Stabilized Approach Criteria §
By 500 ft AGL on all approaches, the aircraft must be:
• On the correct glidepath (VASI/PAPI centered)
• On centerline
• At correct airspeed (±5–10 kts of Vref)
• In landing configuration
• Normal descent rate (not excessive VSI)
• Requiring only small control corrections
If not stabilized by 500 ft AGL → go around. No exceptions. Do not attempt to salvage an unstabilized approach at low altitude.
• On the correct glidepath (VASI/PAPI centered)
• On centerline
• At correct airspeed (±5–10 kts of Vref)
• In landing configuration
• Normal descent rate (not excessive VSI)
• Requiring only small control corrections
If not stabilized by 500 ft AGL → go around. No exceptions. Do not attempt to salvage an unstabilized approach at low altitude.
AFH Ch.8; ACS PA.IV.B
Crosswind Landing Techniques §
Crab method: Maintain coordinated flight with nose crabbed into wind throughout approach. Straighten just before touchdown. Risk: landing while still crabbed stresses gear.
Wing-low (sideslip) method: Apply into-wind aileron (upwind wing drops) + downwind rudder (nose aligned with runway). Upwind main gear touches down first. Maintained throughout approach and touchdown.
Combination: Crab on final, transition to wing-low in the flare. Both are acceptable per ACS.
Wing-low (sideslip) method: Apply into-wind aileron (upwind wing drops) + downwind rudder (nose aligned with runway). Upwind main gear touches down first. Maintained throughout approach and touchdown.
Combination: Crab on final, transition to wing-low in the flare. Both are acceptable per ACS.
AFH Ch.8; ACS PA.IV.B