Ground Reference Maneuvers

Question 1

Clean Configuration Flow

Answer 1

1. Electric fuel pump – on
2. Fuel selector – proper tank
3. Mixture – enrichen
4. Flaps 0°

Question 2

Landing Configuration Flow

Answer 2

1. Electric fuel pump – on
2. Fuel selector – proper tank
3. Mixture – enrichen
4. Flaps 40°

Question 3

Rectangular Course
PVT

The rectangular course consists of a pattern around a rectangular ground reference that maintains an equal distance from all sides of the reference. It develops the pilot’s ability to maintain a specified ground track by applying wind drift correction in straight and turning flight. The maneuver also trains the pilot to correctly divide their attention between flightpath, ground references, control inputs, outside hazards, and instrument indications. Additionally, it prepares the pilot to fly accurate airport traffic patterns. Fly the rectangular course at an altitude between 600’ AGL and 1,000’ AGL.

Answer 3

1. Perform two 90° clearing turns
2. Select a suitable ground reference area
3. 90 KIAS (approx. 2000 RPM), maintain selected altitude
4. Clean configuration flow
5. Enter at a 45° angle to the downwind leg (right or left traffic)
6. Apply adequate wind-drift correction during straight and turning flight to maintain a constant ground track around a rectangular pattern. Remain 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from the boundary of the reference area.
7. Maintain altitude and airspeed
8. Recover when re-established on downwind
9. “Cruise Checklist.”

Question 4

S-Turns
PVT

S-turns consist of two half-circle turns, one in each direction, on either side of a straight-line ground reference. It develops the pilot’s ability to apply wind-drift correction to fly constant-radius turns. The maneuver also trains the pilot to correctly divide their attention between flightpath, ground references, control inputs, outside hazards, and instrument indications. S-turns are flown at an altitude between 600’ AGL and 1,000’ AGL.

Answer 4

1. Perform two 90° clearing turns
2. Select a suitable ground-based reference line
3. 90 KIAS (approx. 2000 RPM), maintain selected altitude
4. Clean configuration flow
5. Enter on the downwind
6. Adjust bank angle throughout the turn to fly a constant radius turn
7. Maintain altitude and airspeed
8. Wings level crossing over reference line
9. Repeat in opposite direction
10. Recover once across the reference line again
11. “Cruise Checklist.”

Question 5

Turn Around A Point
PVT

Turns around a point consists of a 360° constant radius turn around a ground-based reference point. It develops the pilot’s ability to apply wind-drift correction to fly a constant-radius turn, with the wind direction changing throughout the maneuver. The maneuver also trains the pilot to correctly divide their attention between flightpath, ground references, control inputs, outside hazards, and instrument indications. Turns around a point are flown at an altitude between 600’ AGL and 1,000’ AGL.

Answer 5

1. Perform two 90° clearing turns
2. Select a suitable ground-based reference point
3. 90 KIAS (approx. 2000 RPM), maintain selected altitude
4. Clean configuration flow
5. Enter on the downwind
6. Adjust bank angle to maintain a constant radius turn around chosen point
7. Maintain altitude and airspeed
8. Recover once 360° turn is complete
9. “Cruise Checklist.”