Transcript Sport Pilot Training Program

Pre-Solo Training Program
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Ground Reference
Maneuvers
In cooperation with Mid Island Air
Service, Inc. Brookhaven, NY
(Michael Bellenir, CFI)
Lesson 8 Objectives
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During this briefing, you will learn how to perform ground
reference maneuvers.
These maneuvers will increase your understanding of
wind correction, develop your ability to multi-task, and
hone your flying skills.
Upon completion of this briefing, you will practice flying
turns around a point, S-turns, and a rectangular course,
demonstrating proper wind correction techniques.
Ground reference maneuvers are flown at traffic pattern
altitude and airspeed.
These maneuvers will prepare you for flying the traffic
pattern with precision and confidence.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Effect of Wind on Ground Track
We’ve already
seen that wind
can have an
affect on the
airplane’s track
over the
ground.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Turning Radius
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Airplane speed affects its ability to turn.
A faster speed requires more distance to
accomplish a turn than a lower speed.
Because wind affects the groundspeed of the
airplane, it also affects the radius of turns
over the ground.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Turning Radius
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Wind Correction
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To fly the airplane relative to fixed points on the ground,
you must correct for winds.
Ground reference maneuvers develop your skill to correct
for drift and varying turn radius caused by the wind.
Three specific maneuvers will be demonstrated and
practiced, to develop and test your knowledge and skill in
implementing wind correction techniques:
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Turns around a point
S-Turns
Rectangular course
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Turns Around a Point
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Objective: To fly a turn with a constant radius relative to a
fixed point on the ground.
The wind component will be constantly changing,
affecting the radius of the turn relative to the point on the
ground.
To compensate for changes in turn radius, the bank angle
will need constant adjustment throughout the maneuver.
You will strive to maintain a constant altitude and
airspeed throughout the maneuver.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Turns Around a Point
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
S-Turns
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Objective: To fly two identical half circles along a straight
line on the ground, arriving at specific headings over
specific points.
The wind component will be constantly changing,
requiring changes in bank angle to maintain the desired
track.
The turn rate must be adjusted to arrive at certain
headings over certain points during the maneuver.
You will strive to maintain a constant altitude and
airspeed throughout the maneuver.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
S-Turns
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Rectangular Course
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Objective: to fly a course that results in the
ground track being shaped like a rectangle
(not a trapezoid).
The wind component is different on each leg,
so proper corrections must be made.
Will be used in the traffic pattern; runway is
the reference on the ground.
You will strive to maintain a constant altitude
and airspeed throughout the maneuver.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Rectangular Course
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Flying Ground Reference Maneuvers
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To fly a ground reference maneuver successfully,
it is important to pick ground references that are
suitable and appropriate.
Turns Around a Point: One small but easily
visible point, viewable from all directions.
S-Turns: A long, straight line oriented
perpendicular to the wind direction.
Rectangular Course: At least one straight line or
rectangle pattern on the ground (intersection of
roads, farm field, etc.).
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Reference Point Selection
These maneuvers are performed about 1000’ above the ground.
When picking reference points, consider the following factors:
 Avoid selecting a point near high terrain or obstructions.
 Avoid selecting a point over a congested area. Be considerate
of people on the ground.
 Be mindful of surrounding airspace and air traffic.
 Select an area that provides several suitable emergency
landing sites within safe gliding distance.
 Pick points that don’t move. In perfectly calm conditions, a
point moving at a steady speed and direction could simulate
wind, but using moving points for reference generally defeats
the purpose of the maneuver.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Flying Ground Reference Maneuvers
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You must divide your attention appropriately between monitoring your
ground track, maintaining your altitude and airspeed, maintaining
your awareness of your position, and the effects of wind, all while
looking for other traffic. Prioritize!
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Priority One: Keep airplane under control
Priority Two: Maintain separation from other aircraft
Priority Three: Fly the maneuver
Enter the maneuver downwind (with a tailwind, which gives you the
highest ground speed). This will allow you to make your steeper
banks first (while altitude and airspeed are under best control), and
get a feel for the wind strength.
Avoid staying over one location for extended periods of time. Don’t
annoy people on the ground any more than necessary.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Review Questions
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How do you correct for a crosswind when flying a rectangular course?
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How do bank and groundspeed vary when turning into a headwind?
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What flight operation do ground reference maneuvers prepare you for?
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What are the considerations in choosing a reference point for ground
reference maneuvers?
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Where should you enter a ground reference maneuver? Why?
Write down your answers before
continuing to next slide
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Review Answers
How do you correct for a crosswind when flying a rectangular course?
– Turn the nose of the plane slightly into the wind, to track straight.
 How do bank and groundspeed vary when turning into a headwind?
– Both decrease.
 What flight operation do ground reference maneuvers prepare you for?
– Flying the traffic pattern.
 What are the considerations in choosing a reference point for ground
reference maneuvers?
– Avoid high terrain, obstructions, congested areas; be mindful of airspace
and traffic; choose an emergency landing area within gliding range; pick
points that do not move.
 Where should you enter a ground reference maneuver? Why?
– Enter downwind. Gives you maximum bank and groundspeed at start of
maneuver, to get a feel for winds.
Review any missed questions before
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
continuing to today’s flight.
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On Today’s Flight
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Be as precise as possible while enroute to the
practice area. Hold altitude and heading exactly.
Be smooth. Maintain coordination and positive
airplane control.
Maintain orientation and track with respect to
ground reference points.
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If you find yourself drifting too far away, increase bank
to get back on course
If you get too close, decrease bank or level off to get
back on course.
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8
Today in the Practice Area
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Make appropriate wind corrections for all pattern
legs. Also make proper wind corrections in the turns.
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Flying into a headwind, shallow the turn (decrease bank)
Flying with a tailwind, steepen the turn (increase bank)
Try to visualize the wind direction at all times.
Remember that these are ground reference
maneuvers. Keep your eyes outside, not glued to
the instrument panel. Watch for traffic. Make frequent
traffic calls. Use all your other senses to maintain
constant airspeed and altitude.
Thanks to Mid Island Air Service, Inc.
Brookhaven, NY (Michael Bellenir, CFI)
Flight Briefing: Lesson 8