Maneuvering by Reference to  Ground Objects Purpose and Scope should be merely a step-up of one already learned so  that orderly, consistent progress can be made. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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  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. 9-1