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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-ground-reference-altitude

Ground reference maneuvers are generally flown at what height above the ground?

600 to 1,000 feet AGL.

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  1. 200 to 400 feet AGL
  2. 3,000 to 4,000 feet AGL
  3. 600 to 1,000 feet AGL ✔

Why: That height is low enough to see wind drift clearly, but high enough for obstacle clearance and some time to handle an engine failure.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA says the lower you fly, the faster the airplane seems to move over the ground.

The dad joke
Why did the student fly at 800 feet? Because 1,000 felt a little above his station.
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References

Answer: 600 to 1,000 feet AGL. That height is low enough to see wind drift clearly, but high enough for obstacle clearance and some time to handle an engine failure.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 7 Ground Reference Maneuvers www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/08_afh_ch7.pdf
    Ground reference maneuvers are generally flown at altitudes between 600 and 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL).
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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