Flight Instructor (Airplane) Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES) Lesson Plan
Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task D
The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES) Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:0:25Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:0:15Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:0:30Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:0:20Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES).
- Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.
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Motivator:
- To determine the applicant understands lazy eights, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Materials
Required Materials:
- Writing instrument and instructional surface.
- FAA-S-ACS-25, Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards.
- Lesson plan, student training record, and applicable instructor records.
Optional Materials:
- Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM).
- Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
- Current charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
- Airplane, cockpit procedures trainer, approved training device, or classroom teaching aids, as appropriate.
Reference Materials:
- FAA Airman Certification Standards.
- Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Task references: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Present the attention getter and motivator.
- Review Area of Operation IX, Task D, and the Airman Certification Standards.
- State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands lazy eights, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
- Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.IX.D.K1: Purpose of and procedures for lazy eights.
- Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.IX.D.K2: Aerodynamics associated with lazy eights, including how to maintain coordinated flight.
- Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.IX.D.K3: Performance and airspeed limitations.
- Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.IX.D.K4: Phases of the lazy eight maneuver from entry to recovery.
- Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.IX.D.K5: Common errors related to this Task.
- Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R1: Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R2: Collision hazards.
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R3: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R4: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R5: Uncoordinated flight.
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R6: Energy management.
- Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.IX.D.R7: Accelerated stalls.
- Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
- Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S1: Clear the area.
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S2: Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S3: Establish the recommended entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S4: Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S5: Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:
- AI.IX.D.S5a: a. Approximately 30° bank at the steepest point
- AI.IX.D.S5b: b. Constant change of pitch and roll rate and airspeed
- AI.IX.D.S5c: c. Altitude at 180° point, ±100 feet from entry altitude
- AI.IX.D.S5d: d. Airspeed at the 180° point, ±10 knots from entry airspeed
- AI.IX.D.S5e: e. Heading at the 180° point, ±10°
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S6: Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-andlevel flight.
- Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.IX.D.S7: Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
- Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
- Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
- Lead the guided scenario.
- Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
- Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
- Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
- Present the re-motivation and closure.
- Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Guided Scenario(s)
- The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES) while maintaining an organized lesson flow and an appropriate level of learner participation.
- Ask the instructor applicant to identify hazards, including AI.IX.D.R1: Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation, and teach how each risk will be controlled.
- Require the instructor applicant to explain, demonstrate, or coach the learner through AI.IX.D.S1: Clear the area, as appropriate to the task and training environment.
- Introduce a realistic learner error, misconception, change in operating conditions, or external pressure and require the instructor applicant to adapt the lesson.
- Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Student Actions
- Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
- Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
- Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
- Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
- Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Airman Certification Standards
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES) Airman Certification Standards
- Note: For ASEL or ASES, the evaluator must select at least four Tasks including Task A or B, Task C or D, and Tasks E and F from Area of Operation IX , Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers. For AMEL or AMES the evaluator must select at least Tasks A and E.
- Task D: Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES).
- Objective: To determine the applicant understands lazy eights, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
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AI.IX.D.K1: Purpose of and procedures for lazy eights. -
AI.IX.D.K2: Aerodynamics associated with lazy eights, including how to maintain coordinated flight. -
AI.IX.D.K3: Performance and airspeed limitations. -
AI.IX.D.K4: Phases of the lazy eight maneuver from entry to recovery. -
AI.IX.D.K5: Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
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AI.IX.D.R1: Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation. -
AI.IX.D.R2: Collision hazards. -
AI.IX.D.R3: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
AI.IX.D.R4: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
AI.IX.D.R5: Uncoordinated flight. -
AI.IX.D.R6: Energy management. -
AI.IX.D.R7: Accelerated stalls.
Skills 7 ACS Elements
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AI.IX.D.S1: Clear the area. -
AI.IX.D.S2: Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL). -
AI.IX.D.S3: Establish the recommended entry configuration, power, and airspeed. -
AI.IX.D.S4: Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver. -
AI.IX.D.S5: Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:-
AI.IX.D.S5a: a. Approximately 30° bank at the steepest point -
AI.IX.D.S5b: b. Constant change of pitch and roll rate and airspeed -
AI.IX.D.S5c: c. Altitude at 180° point, ±100 feet from entry altitude -
AI.IX.D.S5d: d. Airspeed at the 180° point, ±10 knots from entry airspeed -
AI.IX.D.S5e: e. Heading at the 180° point, ±10°
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AI.IX.D.S6: Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-andlevel flight. -
AI.IX.D.S7: Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Conclusion
Re-Motivation:
- Effective instruction in lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES) helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.
Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.