At what altitude are S-Turns typically flown?

S-turns are a maneuver used in flight training to develop a pilot's skills in controlling the aircraft while making turns over a reference point. They typically involve a series of level turns back and forth across a straight line, such as a road or a river, while maintaining altitude and airspeed.

Flying S-turns approximately 600 to 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) is ideal for several reasons. This altitude allows pilots sufficient vertical space to perform the maneuver safely while remaining clear of obstacles and still having a suitable margin for recovery in the event of an unexpected situation. At this altitude, pilots can practice their turn coordination, altitude control, and visual reference skills without being too close to the ground, which could increase the risks of terrain-related accidents. Additionally, this altitude range provides better visibility of the area and allows the student pilot to monitor their position relative to the ground reference point more effectively.

Flying S-turns below 500 feet AGL or at too low an altitude increases the risk of terrain collision and minimizes reaction time should a problem arise. Altitudes above 1,500 feet AGL might not provide as much relevance in terms of visual references and would generally not be conducive for practicing this particular maneuver, as the effects