Short-Field Takeoff and Landing
Private Pilot ACS · Area IV · Task E · POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Short-Field Takeoff and Landing for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task IV-E, covering short-field takeoff and landing.
Short-Field Takeoff §
Goal: minimum ground roll, maximum obstacle clearance.
• Position at the very beginning of the runway. Hold brakes.
• Full power, verify full power developed, release brakes.
• Rotate at POH-specified speed (typically lower than normal).
• Climb at Vx (best angle) until obstacle is cleared.
• After obstacle, transition to Vy for en-route climb.
• Flaps: retract per POH after positive rate and obstacle clearance.
ACS: Vx ±5 kts to obstacle; Vy ±10 kts after.
• Position at the very beginning of the runway. Hold brakes.
• Full power, verify full power developed, release brakes.
• Rotate at POH-specified speed (typically lower than normal).
• Climb at Vx (best angle) until obstacle is cleared.
• After obstacle, transition to Vy for en-route climb.
• Flaps: retract per POH after positive rate and obstacle clearance.
ACS: Vx ±5 kts to obstacle; Vy ±10 kts after.
AFH Ch.8; ACS PA.IV.E
Short-Field Landing §
Goal: minimum landing roll, precise touchdown at the aim point.
• Approach at POH Vref (typically 1.3 Vso). Slower than normal approach = shorter float.
• Precise glidepath — use VASI/PAPI. Threshold crossing at exact aim point.
• Minimum float in the flare — touch down as close to aim point as possible.
• Apply brakes firmly immediately after touchdown. Full back pressure.
ACS tolerance: touchdown at or within +200 ft of aim point.
Never allow a long landing on a short field. Go around if not on the aim point.
• Approach at POH Vref (typically 1.3 Vso). Slower than normal approach = shorter float.
• Precise glidepath — use VASI/PAPI. Threshold crossing at exact aim point.
• Minimum float in the flare — touch down as close to aim point as possible.
• Apply brakes firmly immediately after touchdown. Full back pressure.
ACS tolerance: touchdown at or within +200 ft of aim point.
Never allow a long landing on a short field. Go around if not on the aim point.
AFH Ch.8; ACS PA.IV.F