Soft-Field Takeoff and Landing
Private Pilot ACS · Area IV · Task C · POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Soft-Field Takeoff and Landing for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task IV-C, covering soft-field takeoff and landing.
Soft-Field Takeoff §
Goal: get the aircraft off the soft surface as quickly as possible to stop wheels from digging in.
• Full aft elevator throughout the takeoff roll (transfers weight to wings, reduces nosewheel pressure).
• Power to full before releasing brakes. Do not stop on the runway surface.
• Aircraft lifts off at slower than normal speed due to full back pressure.
• Remain in ground effect (one wingspan height AGL) and accelerate to Vy.
• After reaching Vy, climb normally.
ACS: Vy ±10 kts in climb; stay in ground effect until Vy.
• Full aft elevator throughout the takeoff roll (transfers weight to wings, reduces nosewheel pressure).
• Power to full before releasing brakes. Do not stop on the runway surface.
• Aircraft lifts off at slower than normal speed due to full back pressure.
• Remain in ground effect (one wingspan height AGL) and accelerate to Vy.
• After reaching Vy, climb normally.
ACS: Vy ±10 kts in climb; stay in ground effect until Vy.
AFH Ch.8; ACS PA.IV.C
Soft-Field Landing §
Goal: touch down at the lowest possible airspeed to minimize the aircraft's tendency to nose over.
• Normal approach with full flaps per POH.
• Flare more than normal — keep flying as long as possible.
• Touch down as slowly as possible on the main gear.
• After touchdown: maintain back pressure to keep nosewheel off the surface as long as practical. Do not brake — let the soft surface slow the aircraft.
• Exit to firm surface as soon as available.
• Normal approach with full flaps per POH.
• Flare more than normal — keep flying as long as possible.
• Touch down as slowly as possible on the main gear.
• After touchdown: maintain back pressure to keep nosewheel off the surface as long as practical. Do not brake — let the soft surface slow the aircraft.
• Exit to firm surface as soon as available.
AFH Ch.8; ACS PA.IV.D