PA.IV.M — Forward Slip to a Landing

What does ACS code PA.IV.M cover?

ACS Code PA.IV.M covers "Forward Slip to a Landing" under Area of Operation IV (Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). 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-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
• Task: Task M — Forward Slip to a Landing (ASEL, ASES)
• 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

• PA.IV.M.K1: Concepts of energy management during a forward slip approach.
• PA.IV.M.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
• PA.IV.M.K3: Wind correction techniques during forward slip.
• PA.IV.M.K4: When and why a forward slip approach is used during an approach.

Risk Management Elements

• PA.IV.M.R1: Selection of runway/landing surface, approach path, and touchdown area based on pilot capability, aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• PA.IV.M.R2: Effects of:
• PA.IV.M.R2a: a. Crosswind
• PA.IV.M.R2b: b. Windshear
• PA.IV.M.R2c: c. Tailwind
• PA.IV.M.R2d: d. Wake turbulence
• PA.IV.M.R2e: e. Landing surface/condition
• PA.IV.M.R3: Planning for:
• PA.IV.M.R3a: a. Rejected landing and go-around
• PA.IV.M.R3b: b. Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)
• PA.IV.M.R4: Collision hazards.
• PA.IV.M.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
• PA.IV.M.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PA.IV.M.R7: Forward slip operations, including fuel flowage, tail stalls with flaps, and airspeed control.
• PA.IV.M.R8: Surface contact with the airplane’s longitudinal axis misaligned.
• PA.IV.M.R9: Unstable approach.

How do I study PA.IV.M?

1. Read each element for PA.IV.M in FAA-S-ACS-6C 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 PA.IV.M, 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: PA.IV.L — Rough Water Approach and Landing
• Next task: PA.IV.N — Go-Around/Rejected Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: PA.IV.B — Normal Approach and Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.C — Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: PA.IV.D — Soft-Field Approach and Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.E — Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
• Same area: PA.IV.F — Short-Field Approach and Landing