Ground Reference Maneuvers
Private Pilot ACS · Area V · Task B · FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Ground Reference Maneuvers for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task V-B, covering ground reference maneuvers.
Core Principle: Bank Varies with Groundspeed §
To maintain a constant-radius ground track: bank angle must vary with groundspeed.
Downwind (highest GS) → steepest bank
Upwind (lowest GS) → shallowest bank
Perform all ground reference maneuvers at 600–1,000 ft AGL. ACS tolerance: altitude ±100 ft. Perform clearing turns before entry. Select a ground reference that is easily identifiable from all directions.
Downwind (highest GS) → steepest bank
Upwind (lowest GS) → shallowest bank
Perform all ground reference maneuvers at 600–1,000 ft AGL. ACS tolerance: altitude ±100 ft. Perform clearing turns before entry. Select a ground reference that is easily identifiable from all directions.
AFH Ch.6; ACS PA.V.B
Turns Around a Point §
Entry: On a downwind heading, directly abeam the reference point at the desired radius distance. This position requires the steepest bank at entry (downwind = highest groundspeed).
Execution: Continuously vary bank to maintain constant radius. Bank gradually shallows as heading turns into the wind, then steepens again as heading goes downwind.
Common errors: Constant bank instead of varying bank. Fixating on the point and neglecting altitude control. Incorrect entry position (too close or too far from reference).
Execution: Continuously vary bank to maintain constant radius. Bank gradually shallows as heading turns into the wind, then steepens again as heading goes downwind.
Common errors: Constant bank instead of varying bank. Fixating on the point and neglecting altitude control. Incorrect entry position (too close or too far from reference).
AFH Ch.6
S-Turns Across a Road §
Entry: On a downwind heading, perpendicular to the reference road. Begin the turn immediately after crossing the road.
Execution: Complete semicircles of equal radius on alternating sides of the road. Wings must be level each time the aircraft crosses the road. Immediately enter bank in the opposite direction. Wind correction requires steeper bank on downwind side, shallower on upwind side.
Goal: Equal semicircles. Wings level over the road each time.
Execution: Complete semicircles of equal radius on alternating sides of the road. Wings must be level each time the aircraft crosses the road. Immediately enter bank in the opposite direction. Wind correction requires steeper bank on downwind side, shallower on upwind side.
Goal: Equal semicircles. Wings level over the road each time.
AFH Ch.6
Rectangular Course §
Simulates the traffic pattern. Fly a rectangular ground track around a field. Wind drift correction on all straight legs — crab angle varies by leg. Turns at corners must vary in bank to maintain rectangular track (steeper on downwind corners, shallower on upwind corners).
Develops: Traffic pattern skills, crosswind correction, bank-radius relationship.
Maintain: Constant distance from the field on all legs, consistent altitude, and observe clearing turns before entry.
Develops: Traffic pattern skills, crosswind correction, bank-radius relationship.
Maintain: Constant distance from the field on all legs, consistent altitude, and observe clearing turns before entry.
AFH Ch.6