PA.IV.L — Task L — Rough Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation IV
Official ACS text — PA.IV.L
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 rough water approach and landing. Note: If a rough water condition does not exist, the applicant must be evaluated by simulating the Task.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.IV.L.K1 A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
PA.IV.L.K2 Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
PA.IV.L.K3 Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
PA.IV.L.K4 When and why rough water techniques are used.
PA.IV.L.K5 How to perform a proper rough water approach and landing.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.IV.L.R1 Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
PA.IV.L.R2 Effects of:
PA.IV.L.R2a a. Crosswind
PA.IV.L.R2b b. Windshear
PA.IV.L.R2c c. Tailwind
PA.IV.L.R2d d. Wake turbulence
PA.IV.L.R2e e. Water surface/condition Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 33
PA.IV.L.R3 Planning for a go-around and rejected landing.
PA.IV.L.R4 Collision hazards.
PA.IV.L.R5 Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
PA.IV.L.R6 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.IV.L.R7 Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.IV.L.S1 Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
PA.IV.L.S2 Make radio calls as appropriate.
PA.IV.L.S3 Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned waterway.
PA.IV.L.S4 Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions.
PA.IV.L.S5 Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
PA.IV.L.S6 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.L.S7 Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied.
PA.IV.L.S8 Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
PA.IV.L.S9 Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
PA.IV.L.S10 Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, considering the type of rough water.
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.