PPL.V.B — Ground Reference Maneuvers

Objective: To determine that 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.

Knowledge

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 point.
• 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 Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• PA.V.B.R1Failure to divide attention between airplane control and orientation.
• PA.V.B.R2Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• PA.V.B.R3Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT.
• PA.V.B.R4Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.
• PA.V.B.R5Failure to maintain coordinated flight.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability 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: Note: The evaluator must select at least one maneuver for the applicant to demonstrate
  • 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.