Task:
Eights on Pylons
Definition:
A training maneuver which involves flying the airplane in circular paths,
alternately left and right, in the form of a figure-8 around two selected
points or pylons on the ground. Uniform distance from the pylons is not
required. Instead, the airplane is flown at such an altitude and airspeed
that a line parallel to the airplane’s lateral axis, and extending from the
pilot’s eye, appears to pivot on each of the pylons.
Objective:
A maneuver designed to divide the pilot’s attention between the flight path
and maintaining a pivotal position on selected pylons on the ground.
When:
Where:
Execute at pivotal altitude.
Preflight Discussion:
1. Set-up:
a. Perform clearing turns.
b. Note wind direction.
c. Select emergency landing location.
d. Look for obstacles (plane at low altitude).
e. Airspeed; that specified by POH or normal cruise.
f. Descend to pivotal altitude.
g. Select first pylon (road intersection if possible).
2. Draw diagram (see attached).
3. Selecting pivotal altitude.
a. Definition; altitude at which, when the plane turns at a given
groundspeed, a projection of the sighting reference line to the selected
point on the ground will appear to pivot on that point.
b. Proper sight picture.
1) At pivotal altitude, wing tip should remain on pylon.
2) If pylon is behind the wing tip, plane is too low.
3) If pylon is ahead of wing tip, plane is too high.
c. Formula = groundspeed squared/ 11.3 (use to get rough idea).
d. G.S.
P.A.
90
750
As G.S. goes up, P.A. goes up.
100
900
105
1,000
110
1,100
115
1,200
e. Search for emergency landing sight as maneuver is performed at low
altitude and pilot won’t have much time in event of emergency.
4. Effect and use of flight controls.
a. Use pitch to keep wing tip on pylon.
b. Constant power setting.
c. Gentle control movements.
d. Level out first, then adjust pitch.
- Otherwise, chasing an altitude then.
5. Should be 3 – 5 seconds between pylons
a. Straight and level.
b. Crab for wind.
c. Scan for traffic.
d. Check instruments to ensure in the green arc.
6. Visual references:
a. IF PYLON MOVES FORWARD, YOKE FORWARD.
b. IF PYLON MOVES BACK, YOKE BACK.
7. Instrument references for roll, yaw and speed.
a. Watch airspeed indicator; want to begin maneuver not to exceed
maneuvering speed. During maneuver ensure plane does not reach
stall speed.
b. Note A/I for a 30-degree bank.
c. Watch Inclinometer for turn coordination – particularly at end of left
turn.
Instructor Demonstration:
1. Execute two clearing turns.
a. Scan for traffic.
b. Look for obstacles, i.e. towers, since your altitude will be below 1,000
ft. AGL.
2. Enter maneuver by flying diagonally crosswind between pylons to a point
downwind from the first pylon and then make first turn into the wind (draw
diagram).
3. Airspeed should be that specified by POH or, if not specified, normal cruise.
4. Divide attention between coordinated airplane control and outside visual
references.
a. Maintain line-of –sight on the pylon.
b. Scan for traffic – still responsible for collision avoidance.
5. Do not need to maintain uniform distance from pylons.
6. Ground speed will also constantly change.
7. Review how to change the plane’s reference to the pylons.
8. Wind will affect altitude.
9. Rollout between pylons must be completed in proper crab angle to correct for
wind drift.
Student Practice:
1. Use integrated technique.
2. Use verbal correction – avoid control inputs.
3. Have student explain actions during initial performance.
4. Watch for errors – correct immediately.
a. Overcontrolling.
b. Faulty entry technique.
c. Poor planning, orientation, and division of attention.
d. Uncoordinated flight control application.
e. Use of improper line-of-sight reference.
f. Improper timing of turn entries and rollouts
g. Improper correction for wind drift between pylons.
h. Selection of pylons where there is no suitable emergency landing area
within gliding distance.
5. Review performance
a. Save critique until performance complete.
b. Have student repeat as necessary.
Evaluation:
1. Determines approximate pivotal altitude.
2. Selects suitable pylons that will permit approximately 3 to 5 seconds of
straight and level flight between pylons. Considers emergency landing areas.
3. Attains proper configuration and airspeed prior to entry.
4. Applies corrections so that reference line remains on pylon with minimum
longitudinal movement.
5. Exhibits proper orientation, division of attention, and planning.
6. Applies necessary wind-effect correction to track properly between pylons.
7. Holds pylons using appropriate pivotal altitude avoiding slips and skids.