PLT170: Approach and Landing Technique
What code PLT170 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Approach and Landing Technique before your checkride.
Recall approach / landing / taxiing techniques 5
What this means for your checkride
Approach and landing technique is flying a stabilized approach at the right airspeed and descent path, flaring to touch down on the main wheels at minimum speed, then holding directional control through rollout and taxi. A go-around is the answer whenever the approach is not stable.
Landing accidents are common, so the FAA tests the stabilized approach, the flare, and the discipline to go around rather than salvage a bad approach.
Pilots try to force a landing from a fast or unstable approach. The correct response is a go-around, decided early, not a save in the flare.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.