As the pilot becomes experienced in performing turns around a point and has a good understanding of the effects of wind drift and varying the bank angle and wind correction angle as required, entry into the maneuver may be from any point. When entering the maneuver at a point other than downwind, however, the radius of the turn should be carefully selected. Be sure to take into account the wind velocity and groundspeed so that an excessive bank is not required later on to maintain the proper ground track. The fl ight instructor should place particular emphasis on the effect of an incorrect initial bank. 

Common errors in the performance of turns around a point are: 

• Failure to clear the area adequately. 

• Failure to establish appropriate bank on entry. 

• Failure to recognize wind drift. 

• Inadequate bank angle and/or inadequate wind correction angle on the downwind portion of the circle, resulting in drift away from the reference point. 

• Excessive bank and/or inadequate wind correction angle on the upwind side of the circle, resulting in drift towards the reference point. 

• Gaining or losing altitude. 

• Inability to maintain a constant airspeed. 

• Inadequate visual lookout for other aircraft. 

• Inability to direct attention outside the aircraft while maintaining precise aircraft control. 

## Chapter Summary 

Ground reference maneuvers and related factors are used in developing a high degree of pilot skill in analyzing the effect of wind and other forces acting on the aircraft for accurate and safe maneuvering of the aircraft. The specifi c maneuvers are: 

• Rectangular course, 

• S-turns across a road, and 

• Turns about a point. 

These are training maneuvers that should be mastered to within the tolerances in the PTS. 

