PA.IV.J — Task J — Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation IV
Official ACS text — PA.IV.J
ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARDReferences: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with glassy water approach and landing. Note: If a glassy water condition does not exist, the applicant must be evaluated by simulating the Task.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.IV.J.K1 A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
PA.IV.J.K2 Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
PA.IV.J.K3 When and why glassy water techniques are used.
PA.IV.J.K4 How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.IV.J.R1 Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance.
PA.IV.J.R2 Water surface/condition.
PA.IV.J.R3 Planning for a go-around and rejected landing.
PA.IV.J.R4 Collision hazards.
PA.IV.J.R5 Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
PA.IV.J.R6 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.IV.J.R7 Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.IV.J.S1 Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
PA.IV.J.S2 Make radio calls as appropriate.
PA.IV.J.S3 Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions.
PA.IV.J.S4 Select a proper approach and landing path considering the landing surface, visual attitude references, water depth, and collision hazards.
PA.IV.J.S5 Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
PA.IV.J.S6 Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots.
PA.IV.J.S7 Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
PA.IV.J.S8 Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, and slow to idle taxi speed.
PA.IV.J.S9 Maintain directional control throughout the approach and landing. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 31
Reproduced from FAA-S-ACS-6C, Change 1 (November 2023). Verify against the official document before relying on it.
Is this a regulation?
No — this is a certification standard, not a regulation.
Airman Certification Standards. The ACS defines what an applicant must know, consider and do to pass a practical test. It is a certification standard, not a regulation.