CA.IV.J — Glassy Water Approach and Landing

What does ACS code CA.IV.J cover?

ACS Code CA.IV.J covers "Glassy Water Approach and Landing" under Area of Operation IV (Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds) for the FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-7B). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).

Task Specification & Required References

• ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-7B (Commercial Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
• Task: Task J — Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)
• Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Airman Certification Standards Elements

Knowledge Elements

• CA.IV.J.K1: A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
• CA.IV.J.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
• CA.IV.J.K3: When and why glassy water techniques are used.
• CA.IV.J.K4: How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.

Risk Management Elements

• CA.IV.J.R1: Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance.
• CA.IV.J.R2: Water surface/condition.
• CA.IV.J.R3: Planning for a go-around and rejected landing.
• CA.IV.J.R4: Collision hazards.
• CA.IV.J.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
• CA.IV.J.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• CA.IV.J.R7: Gear position in an amphibious airplane.

How do I study CA.IV.J?

1. Read each element for CA.IV.J in FAA-S-ACS-7B and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged CA.IV.J, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: CA.IV.I — Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb
• Next task: CA.IV.K — Rough Water Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: CA.IV.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: CA.IV.B — Normal Approach and Landing
• Same area: CA.IV.C — Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: CA.IV.D — Soft-Field Approach and Landing
• Same area: CA.IV.E — Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
• Same area: CA.IV.F — Short-Field Approach and Landing