Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Eights On Pylons Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IV, Task E
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Eights on Pylons Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with eights on pylons.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Eights on Pylons:0:15Part 3, Eights on Pylons Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Eights on Pylons Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to eights on pylons.
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
- Explain how proficiency in eights on pylons supports safe and effective flight operations.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Pilot Operating Handbook
- Weight & Balance Form Template
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Aerodynamics and Performance Supplement.
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)'s Online Learning Course - Essential Aerodynamics.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Ground Reference Maneuvers Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Clearing Turns Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards (ACS).
- Part 2, Eights on Pylons:
- Explain the purpose of eights on pylons. (CA.V.E.K1)
- Develop intuitive airplane control by maintaining a visual reference on successive pylons.
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the aerodynamics of eights on pylons, including coordinated and uncoordinated flight. (CA.V.E.K2)
- Determine pivotal altitude and explain how groundspeed changes affect it. (CA.V.E.K3)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how wind affects ground track, pivotal altitude, and bank-angle requirements throughout the maneuver. (CA.V.E.K4)
- Teach the phases of the maneuver from entry around the first pylon, transition between pylons, and recovery from the second pylon. (CA.V.E.K5)
- Clear the area, determine approximate pivotal altitude, and select pylons that permit straight-and-level flight between them. (CA.V.E.S1) (CA.V.E.S2) (CA.V.E.S3)
- Enter in the correct direction and position at an appropriate altitude and airspeed, then establish the bank required by the conditions without exceeding 40 degrees. (CA.V.E.S4) (CA.V.E.S5)
- Apply smooth, continuous corrections to keep the line-of-sight reference on each pylon while dividing attention between coordinated control and outside references. (CA.V.E.S6) (CA.V.E.S7)
- Maintain pylon position using the appropriate pivotal altitude while avoiding slips and skids. (CA.V.E.S8)
- Explain the purpose of eights on pylons. (CA.V.E.K1)
- Part 3, Eights on Pylons Risk Management:
- Manage division of attention between aircraft control, orientation, and the pylons. (CA.V.E.R1)
- Use clearing procedures and continuous visual scanning to mitigate collision hazards. (CA.V.E.R2)
- Use conservative altitude and escape criteria to mitigate stall, spin, and controlled-flight-into-terrain hazards. (CA.V.E.R3)
- Manage distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation. (CA.V.E.R4)
- Recognize and correct uncoordinated flight. (CA.V.E.R5)
- Manage energy as groundspeed, pivotal altitude, and bank requirements change. (CA.V.E.R6)
- Maintain suitable emergency-landing options throughout the low-altitude maneuver. (CA.V.E.R7)
- Part 4, Eights on Pylons Guided Scenario(s):
- Use the guided scenario to have the learner select pylons, calculate pivotal altitude, account for wind, manage low-altitude risks, and evaluate coordination and line-of-sight control.
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply the possible differences between calculated performance and actual performance.
- Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Eights On Pylons Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Find all limitations in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Essential Aerodynamics.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Eights On Pylons Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with eights on pylons
- Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
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CA.V.E.K1: -
CA.V.E.K2: Aerodynamics associated with the eights on pylons, including coordinated and uncoordinated flight. -
CA.V.E.K3: -
CA.V.E.K4: Effect of wind on ground track. -
CA.V.E.K5: Phases of the eights on pylons maneuver from entry to recovery.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
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CA.V.E.R1: Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation. -
CA.V.E.R2: -
CA.V.E.R3: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.V.E.R4: Distractions, improper task management, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
CA.V.E.R5: Uncoordinated flight. -
CA.V.E.R6: Energy Management. -
CA.V.E.R7: Emergency landing considerations.
Skills 8 ACS Elements
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CA.V.E.S1: -
CA.V.E.S2: Determine the approximate pivotal altitude. -
CA.V.E.S3: Select suitable pylons that will permits straight-and-level flight between the pylons. -
CA.V.E.S4: -
CA.V.E.S5: Establish the correct bank angle for the conditions, not to exceed 40°. -
CA.V.E.S6: Apply smooth and continuous corrections so that the line-of-sight reference line remains on the pylon. -
CA.V.E.S7: Divide attention between accurate, coordinated airplane control and outside visual references. -
CA.V.E.S8: Maintain pylon position using appropriate pivotal altitude, avoiding slips and skids.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Eights on Pylons strengthens the coordination, energy awareness, and precise control needed to keep the airplane within safe aerodynamic limits.
- Recognizing changes in angle of attack, load factor, control effectiveness, wind drift, and developing errors allows pilots to correct before safety margins disappear.
- Structured practice builds visual awareness, aircraft feel, checklist discipline, and the judgment required to discontinue or recover when a maneuver becomes unstable.
- Mastery of Eights on Pylons provides a foundation for the more precise and complex aircraft-control tasks encountered in later training.
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
- Assign study materials for the next lesson