36 • Commercial Pilot
Eights on Pylons
Eights on Pylons are to be accomplished at the appropriate pivotal altitude
(groundspeed
2
/11.3), governed by the aircraft's groundspeed. The applicant is
required to maintain coordinated flight while flying a figure eight pattern which
holds the selected pylons using the appropriate pivotal altitude. At the steepest
point, the angle of bank should be approximately 30-40°.
1. Enter pivotal altitude (Approx 900’ AGL at 100 KIAS - 2200 RPM)
2. Perform two 90º clearing turns
3. Clean configuration flow
4. Select two pylons to allow for minimal time spent wings level between
the two
5. Enter maneuver on a 45° midpoint downwind
6. Apply appropriate pitch corrections to compensate for changes in
groundspeed and;
7. To maintain line of sight reference with the pylon (pitch forward if point
moves toward nose and pitch back if point moves toward tail).
8. Begin rollout to allow the airplane to proceed diagonally between the
pylons at a 45º angle.
9. Begin second turn in the opposite direction of the first
10. Exit maneuver on entry heading
11. Cruise checklist
Pivotal
Altitude
High Groundspeed
High Pivotal Altitude
Lowest
Groundspeed
Lowest Pivotal
Altitude
Closest to Pylon
Entry
Pylon
Pivotal
Altitude
High Groundspeed
High Pivotal Altitude
Lowest
Groundspeed
Lowest Pivotal
Altitude
Closest to Pylon
Entry
Pylon
Pivotal
Altitude
High Groundspeed
High Pivotal Altitude
Lowest
Groundspeed
Lowest Pivotal
Altitude
Closest to Pylon
Entry
Pylon
View From Above
NOTE:
The wing tip should
be pointing at the pylons
throughout the turns.
