Sport Pilot Talk

Here are the PTS for short feild landing...

F. TASK: SHORT-FIELD (CONFINED AREA—ASES) APPROACH AND LANDING (ASEL and ASES)
REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; AFM/POH.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a short-field (Confined Area—ASES) approach and landing.
2. Adequately surveys the intended landing area. (ASES)
3. Considers the wind conditions, landing surface, obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
4. Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed/attitude; adjusts pitch attitude and power as required.
5. Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed/attitude, or in its absence not more than 1.3 Vso, +10/−5 knots.
6. Selects the proper landing path, contacts the water at the minimum safe airspeed with the proper pitch attitude for the surface conditions. (ASES)
7. Touches down smoothly at minimum control airspeed. (ASEL)
8. Touches down at or within 200 feet beyond a specified point.
9. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing sequence.
10. Applies brakes if equipped (ASEL), or elevator control (ASES) as necessary, to stop in the shortest distance consistent with safety.

Am I missing the part about the 50ft obstacle or does it not exist? Short field take off specifically mentions 50ft but I'm not seeing it in the landing. Can I assume that I will not have fly over a imaginary 50ft obstacle during the practical?

Oh, it exists, all right:



It's up to the DPE to tell you whether an (imaginary) obstruction exists, and then it's up to you to clear it. If the DPE doesn't specify, you should tell him or her you're assuming a 50 foot obstruction at the threshold. If the examiner wishes you to do something else, he or she will say so.

_________________
The opinions expressed in this post are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the position of the FAA or its lawyers.
Prof. H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., CFII, LSRM-A/GL/WS
AvSport of Lock Haven
http://AvSport.org fly@AvSport.org

My DPE said he wanted to feel the wheels touch just past the numbers. I told him I'd be flaring with dirt and oats under us to do that. He said "you have to do what you have to do" I did it and passed. No mention of 50' obstacle.

OK, luckly this has not been a problem for me it just stood out as I was looking over the PTS.

Turns around a point on the other hand......

My DPE let me pick the landing spot I just had to hit within the specified distance past my location.