Short-Field Approach and Landing

What is a Short-Field Landing?

Short-field landing procedures are used when operating into a runway of limited length or when obstacles restrict the approach. These landings require precise control, a stabilized approach, and an accurate touchdown to achieve the shortest landing distance.

How to Perform a Short-Field Landing

Short Field Landing

Setup

  1. Assess wind conditions and determine crosswind components.
  2. Enter the traffic pattern as directed by ATC or using a standard entry.
  3. Maintain recommended airspeed on downwind (typically about 1.5 VS0).
  4. Evaluate the landing area, including obstacles and available runway length.
  5. Identify a suitable touchdown point.
  6. Complete the before-landing checklist.

Approach

  1. Abeam the touchdown point:
  2. Reduce power.
  3. Extend flaps and landing gear, if equipped, as recommended.
  4. Begin descent and trim as necessary.
  5. Adjust the downwind spacing as needed to allow a stabilized final approach.
  6. Turn base as required based on wind, altitude, and spacing.
  1. Maintain recommended airspeed (typically about 1.4 VS0).
  2. Extend additional flaps as required.
  3. Lead the turn to final to align with the runway centerline.
  4. Maintain a stabilized approach at the recommended airspeed (typically not more than 1.3 VS0).
  5. Use a steeper descent angle as required to clear obstacles.

Round Out (Flare)

  1. Begin the round out at the appropriate height above the runway to achieve the desired touchdown point.
  2. Gradually increase back pressure to transition to a landing attitude.
  3. Maintain directional control with the rudder.
  4. Use minimal power as needed to control the rate of descent.

Touchdown

  1. Touch down on the main wheels at the minimum controllable airspeed at the selected touchdown point.
  2. Maintain alignment with the runway centerline and eliminate drift.
  3. Hold the nosewheel off until both main wheels are on the ground.

After-Landing Roll

  1. Apply maximum braking as required while maintaining directional control.
  2. Apply back pressure to increase aerodynamic braking.
  3. Retract flaps on rollout if recommended by the manufacturer
  4. Increase crosswind control inputs as the airplane slows.
  5. Slow to taxi speed before exiting the runway.
  6. Clear the runway and complete the after-landing checklist.

Safety Considerations for Short-Field Landings

  • Maintain a stabilized approach and proper airspeed control.
  • Plan to be established on final approach approximately 500′ above the touchdown point to ensure a stabilized descent.
  • Use coordinated pitch and power adjustments when operating near minimum airspeeds.
  • Time the round out accurately to avoid hard landings or excessive sink.
  • Avoid reducing power too early in the flare.
  • Verify the runway is clear of traffic and obstructions before landing.
  • Use caution when retracting flaps on rollout to avoid selecting the landing gear.

Common Errors for Short-Field Landings

Setup:

  • Failing to complete or properly use the checklist
  • Improper use of landing performance data
  • Failing to establish the proper configuration at the appropriate time
  • Inadequate evaluation of obstacles and landing distance

Approach:

  • Failing to correct for wind drift
  • Improper base-to-final turn
  • Failing to account for flap extension
  • Failing to maintain a stabilized approach
  • Failing to recognize the need for a go-around
  • Improper descent angle or energy management
  • Reducing power too early after clearing obstacles

Round Out (Flare):

  • Removing the hand from the throttle
  • Attempting to control descent using pitch alone
  • Flaring too high or too late
  • Excessive or insufficient airspeed affecting flare effectiveness

Touchdown:

  • Failing to touch down at the selected point
  • Failing to maintain alignment with the runway centerline
  • Touching down in an improper landing attitude
  • Allowing excessive sink rate at touchdown
  • Releasing control pressure after touchdown

After-Landing Roll:

  • Failing to maintain directional control
  • Failing to apply effective braking
  • Improper brake application resulting in loss of control
  • Attempting to turn before slowing to taxi speed
  • Improper configuration changes after touchdown

Airman Certification Standards for Short-Field Landings

Approach Speed:

  • SPT and PVT: As recommended, or in its absence, not more than 1.3 VS0, +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied
  • COM and CFI: As recommended, or in its absence, not more than 1.3 VS0, ±5 knots with gust factor applied

Touchdown Point:

  • SPT and PVT: At a proper pitch attitude within 200′ beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, minimum float, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the center of the runway
  • COM and CFI: At a proper pitch attitude, within 100′ beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, minimum float, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the center of the runway