Ground Reference Maneuvers

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ground reference maneuvering which may include a rectangular course, S-turns, and turns around a point.

Note: The evaluator selects at least one ground reference maneuver for the applicant to demonstrate.

References: 14 CFR part 61; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25

Chair fly this task

Quick Review

Tolerances per FAA-S-ACS-6C (ASEL).

Technique Notes

Turns around a point:

Maintain altitude. Keep the distance to the point constant.
Use the wing rivets — picture a sight line running from the fuselage out along the wing to the point.
Point drifting ahead of the line/wing? Unbank (shallower — you're getting pushed away or turning too fast).
Point falling behind the line? More bank.
Adjust throughout! The correction is never "done" — the wind never stops working on you.

Wind correction logic

The bank angle tracks groundspeed:

Enter downwind, where groundspeed is fastest — that's where the steepest bank of the whole maneuver happens, so entering there means every subsequent bank is shallower and the steepest point is planned, not a surprise.
Directly upwind, groundspeed is slowest, so the bank is shallowest.
Everywhere in between, the bank is constantly changing, and the nose is crabbed toward the inside or outside of the circle as needed to hold the circular ground track.

Setup: 600–1,000 ft AGL, a point that's easy to see (road intersection, lone tree, tank), and terrain around it that offers an emergency landing option. Clear the area first and divide attention — most of it outside, brief altimeter checks inside.

Official ACS elementsreference

Knowledge4 elements

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

PA.V.B.K1Purpose of ground reference maneuvers.
PA.V.B.K2Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.
PA.V.B.K3Effects of bank angle and groundspeed on rate and radius of turn.
PA.V.B.K4Relationship of rectangular course to airport traffic pattern.

Risk Management5 elements

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

PA.V.B.R1Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
PA.V.B.R2Collision hazards.
PA.V.B.R3Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
PA.V.B.R4Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.V.B.R5Uncoordinated flight.

Skills10 elements

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

PA.V.B.S1Clear the area.
PA.V.B.S2Select a suitable ground reference area, line, or point as appropriate.
PA.V.B.S3Plan the maneuver:
PA.V.B.S3aa. Rectangular course: enter a left or right pattern, 600 to 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area, 45° to the downwind leg
PA.V.B.S3bb. S-turns: enter perpendicular to the selected reference line, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area
PA.V.B.S3cc. Turns around a point: enter at an appropriate distance from the reference point, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area
PA.V.B.S4Apply adequate wind-drift correction during straight and turning flight to maintain a constant ground track around a rectangular reference area, or to maintain a constant radius turn on each side of a selected reference line or point.
PA.V.B.S5If performing S-Turns, reverse the turn directly over the selected reference line; if performing turns around a point, complete turns in either direction, as specified by the evaluator.
PA.V.B.S6Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight.
PA.V.B.S7Maintain altitude ±100 feet; maintain airspeed ±10 knots.