Level Flight in Relation to the Ground

Objective 

·       To fly in level flight solely by reference to the ground

Elements

·       Use of ground references to control level flight

Equipment

·       In-flight maneuver from surface to 300 feet AGL

Instruction’s Actions

·       Pre-flight discussion of lesson objective

·       Have student hold arms straight out with one index finger one foot away from eyes and the other two feet away.  Move the arms up and down slowly to simulate a near and far object as altitude changes

·       In flight observe near and far trees or hills and how far object appears to move up when balloon is ascending and down when balloon is descending

·       Discuss ability of human eye to discern distance by paratactic action to 20 feet or less.  Perception of depth is by relative size of objects, perspective, and past experience

·       Discuss use of pennant on crown line as vertical movement indicator

·       Use instruments only as back up to verify level flight

Student’s Actions

·       Demonstrate ability to fly at various attitudes solely in relation to the ground

·       Demonstrate techniques to determine vertical movement by ground observation

Completion Standards

·       The student should demonstrate competency to maintain altitude within ± I 00 feet between the surface and 500 feet AGL solely by reference to the ground

·       Demonstrate continuous scanning technique to observe the surface at low altitude.

Common Student Errors

The instructor should anticipate the common student errors associated with contour flying.

a.    Improper use of controls to maintain desired altitude

b.    Over burning or over venting- and

c.    Lack of division of attention