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## Purpose and Scope 

Ground reference maneuvers and their related factors are used in developing a high degree of pilot skill. Although most of these maneuvers are not performed as such in normal everyday flying, the elements and principles involved in each are applicable to perfor- mance of the customary pilot operations. They aid the pilot in analyzing the effect of wind and other forces acting on the powered parachute, and in developing a fine control touch and the division of attention neces - sary for accurate and safe powered parachute maneu- vering. 

All of the early part of the pilot’s training has been conducted for the purpose of developing technique, knowledge of maneuvers, feel, and the handling of the powered parachute in general. This training will have required that most of the pilot’s attention be given to the actual handling of the powered parachute, and the results of control pressures on the action of the pow- ered parachute. 

If permitted to continue beyond the appropriate train- ing stage, however, the student pilot’s concentration of attention will become a fixed habit, one that will seriously detract from the student’s ease and safety as a pilot, and will be very difficult to eliminate. There - fore it is necessary, as soon as the pilot shows profi ciency in the fundamental maneuvers, that the pilot be introduced to maneuvers requiring outside attention on a practical application of these maneuvers and the knowledge gained. 

During ground reference maneuvers, it is important that basic flying technique previously learned be maintained. The flight instructor should not allow any relaxation of the student’s previous standard of technique simply because a new factor is added. This requirement should be maintained throughout the student’s progress from maneuver to maneuver. Each new maneuver should embody some advance and in- clude the principles of the preceding one in order that continuity is maintained. Each new factor introduced 

should be merely a step-up of one already learned so that orderly, consistent progress can be made. 

## Maneuvering by Reference to Ground Objects 

Ground track or ground reference maneuvers are performed at a relatively low altitude while apply- ing wind drift correction as needed to follow a pre- determined track or path over the ground. They are designed to develop the ability to control the powered parachute and to recognize and correct for the effect of wind while dividing attention among other matters. This requires planning ahead of the powered para- chute, maintaining orientation in relation to ground objects, flying appropriate headings to follow a de - sired ground track, and being cognizant of other air traffic in the immediate vicinity. 

Pilots should perform clearing turns prior to begin- ning a maneuver. The essential idea of the clearing turn is to be certain that the next maneuver is not go- ing to proceed into another aircraft’s flightpath. Some pilot training programs have hard and fast rules, such as requiring two 90° turns in opposite directions be- fore executing any training maneuver. Other types of clearing procedures may be developed by individual flight instructors. Whatever the preferred method, a clearing procedure should be used. Execute the ap- propriate clearing procedure before all turns and be- fore executing any training maneuver. Proper clearing procedures, combined with proper visual scanning techniques, are the most effective strategy for colli- sion avoidance. 

Ground reference maneuvers should be flown so as not to descend below 200 feet above the ground. The actual altitude will depend on a number of factors. You should plan and fly the maneuver so as not to descend below an altitude of 200 feet above ground level (AGL); however you must also plan and fly so as not to come closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure. 

