Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IV, Task D

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lazy eights.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Lazy Eights:
    1:15
    Part 3, Lazy Eights Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, Lazy Eights Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to lazy eights.
    • 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.

  • Motivator:

    • Explain how proficiency in lazy eights supports safe and effective flight operations.

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Lazy Eights:
    • Explain and demonstrate how to conduct a proper lazy eight. (CA.V.D.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the aerodynamics of lazy eights and how smooth, continuously changing control pressures maintain coordinated flight. (CA.V.D.K2)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain applicable performance and airspeed limitations. (CA.V.D.K3)
    • Teach the phases of the maneuver from entry through each 45-, 90-, 135-, and 180-degree point to recovery. (CA.V.D.K4)
    • Clear the area, select an altitude that permits completion no lower than 1,500 feet AGL, and establish the recommended configuration, power, and airspeed. (CA.V.D.S1) (CA.V.D.S2) (CA.V.D.S3)
    • Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver. (CA.V.D.S4)
    • Complete each 180-degree segment with approximately 30 degrees of bank at the steepest point; continuously changing pitch, roll rate, and airspeed; altitude within 100 feet; airspeed within 10 knots; and heading within 10 degrees. (CA.V.D.S5) (CA.V.D.S5a) (CA.V.D.S5b) (CA.V.D.S5c) (CA.V.D.S5d) (CA.V.D.S5e)
    • Continue through the specified number of symmetrical loops, then resume straight-and-level flight. (CA.V.D.S6)
  • Part 3, Lazy Eights Risk Management:
    • Manage division of attention between aircraft control, orientation, and outside references. (CA.V.D.R1)
    • Use clearing procedures and an effective visual scan to mitigate collision hazards. (CA.V.D.R2)
    • Use a safe entry altitude and conservative recovery criteria to mitigate stall and spin hazards during low-altitude maneuvering. (CA.V.D.R3)
    • Manage distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation. (CA.V.D.R4)
    • Recognize and correct uncoordinated flight. (CA.V.D.R5)
    • Manage energy continuously as pitch, bank, and airspeed change throughout the maneuver. (CA.V.D.R6)
    • Recognize and avoid accelerated-stall conditions. (CA.V.D.R7)
  • Part 4, Lazy Eights Guided Scenario(s):
    • Use the guided scenario to have the learner select a safe maneuvering area and entry altitude, manage energy and coordination, and evaluate the maneuver at each key point.
  • Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    • 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) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

Loading scenario details...

Loading...
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • CA.V.D.K1:
    How to conduct proper lazy eights.
  • CA.V.D.K2:
    Aerodynamics associated with lazy eights, including how to maintain coordinated flight.
  • CA.V.D.K3:
    Performance and airspeed limitations.
  • CA.V.D.K4:
    Phases of the lazy eight maneuver from entry to recovery.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
Skills 6 ACS Elements
  • CA.V.D.S1:
    Clear the area.
  • CA.V.D.S2:
    Select an altitude that will allow the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
  • CA.V.D.S3:
    Establish the appropriate entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
  • CA.V.D.S4:
    Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
  • CA.V.D.S5:
    Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:
    • CA.V.D.S5a:
      Approximately 30° bank at the steepest point.
    • CA.V.D.S5b:
      Constant change of pitch and roll rate and airspeed.
    • CA.V.D.S5c:
      Altitude at 180° point, ±100 feet from entry altitude.
    • CA.V.D.S5d:
      Airspeed at the 180° point, ±10 knots from entry airspeed.
    • CA.V.D.S5e:
      Heading at the 180° point, ±10°.
  • CA.V.D.S6:
    Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-andlevel flight.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Lazy Eights Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Lazy Eights 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 Lazy Eights provides a foundation for the more precise and complex aircraft-control tasks encountered in later training.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.