The maneuver is a variation of eights along a road and involves the same principles and techniques
The primary difference is that at the completion of each loop of the figure eight, the airplane should cross an intersection of roads or specific point on a straight road
Wind should be perpendicular to the road
Consists of two complete adjacent circles of equal radii on each side of a straight road or other reference line on the ground [Figure 1]
Develops the ability to maneuver the airplane accurately, while dividing your attention between the flight path and the selected points on the ground
Perfects the knowledge of the effect of angle of bank on radius of turn
Demonstrate how wind affects the path of the airplane over the ground
To gain experience in the visualization of the results of planning before the execution of the maneuver
Trains the student to think and plan ahead of the airplane
Procedure:
WARNING: All procedures here are GENERALIZED for learning, fly the maneuver in accordance with the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) or current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Determine wind direction
This is important for the entry heading and reference point
Commence a clearing turn looking for traffic and ground obstructions
Select 2 reference points on either side of the reference line in an area where an emergency landing can be made if necessary
Establish and maintain an appropriate airspeed (generally 100 KIAS) and 1,000' AGL
Enter the maneuver ~30° to the road
You may need to establish a crab to maintain a straight ground path
Abeam the first point, roll into a 30° to 40° angle of bank
Usually the first turn is made toward a downwind heading
As ground speed increases, the angle of bank will need to increase to increase the rate
As ground speed decreases after the first half of the turn, shallow the bank to arrive over the reference line on entry heading
Perform the second turn
Ground speed will slow requiring a shallow angle of bank
After 180° of turn, ground speed will increase requiring an increase in angle of bank
Depart the maneuver on the entry heading
Complete cruise checklist
Notes:
The measure of progress in the performance of eights along a road is the smoothness and accuracy of the change in bank used to counteract drift
The sooner the drift is detected and correction applied, the smaller will be the required changes
The more quickly the student can anticipate the corrections needed, the less obvious the changes will be and the more attention can be diverted to the maintenance of altitude and operation of the airplane
Airplane Flying Handbook, Eights Across A Road
Errors in coordination must be eliminated and a constant altitude maintained
Eights Across a Road Common Errors:
Failure to adequately clear the area
Skidding or slipping turns
Excessive gain or loss of altitude
Over concentration on the pylon and failure to observe traffic
