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Eights on
Pylons_____________________________________________________________
References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
3. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-23
Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the
Standards elements related to Eight’s On Pylons.
DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) Maneuver Explanation
A.) Overview
1. Describe with model the maneuver. Include:
a) One turn around two pylons in a figure eight
b) Enter up wind at a 45 deg angle between pylons with first pylon on left
c) Turn around first pylon and roll out when on 45 deg between pylons again
d) Allow 3-5 seconds of level flight between 1st and 2nd pylon
e) Turn around second pylon and roll out on entry heading
f) Maintain Pylon on wing tip
B.) Pivotal Altitude
1. Specific altitude at which, at a given ground speed, in a turn, the wing tip will appear to pivot on a
point on the ground.
2. Example with 50 feet and 10,000 feet AGL
a) 50’, in a turn the point blasts rearward of wing tip
b) 10,000’, in a turn the wing tip moves rearward of a point on the ground
c) At some point in between, the point will remain stationary
3. Dependant on Groundspeed
a) Faster planes with faster airspeed affect ground speed
b) Wind affects ground speed
4. Formula
a) Ground Speed (MPH) Squared / 15
(1) 109 x 109 / 15 = 11881 / 15 = 792
b) Ground Speed (Kts) Squared / 11.4
(1) 95 x 95 / 11.4 = 9025 / 11.4 = 792
5. Controls
a) Set throttle at beginning for 95 Kts and lock
b) Trim for level flight at 800 feet
c) Maintain coordination through out turns
(1) Control altitude with elevator
(2) Control bank with ailerons
(3) If pylon is maintained with rudder, SPIN is possible
COMPLETION STANDARDS:
This lesson will be complete when student has adequate understanding of Eight’s On Pylons.