All procedures are GENERALIZED.
Fly the maneuver in accordance with the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)
and/or current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
C-172S Procedure:
- 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 in an area where an emergency landing can be made if necessary
- The pylons selected should be on a line 90° to the direction of the wind and should be in an area away from communities, livestock, or groups of people, to avoid possible annoyance or hazards to others
- Establish and maintain 100 KIAS (approx. 2200 RPM) and 1,000' AGL
- Enter the maneuver on a downwind heading when passing between the pylons
- Abeam the first point, roll into a 30° to 40° angle
- The distance between the pylons and the wind velocity will determine the initial angle of bank required to maintain a constant radius from the pylons during each turn
- Steepest banks will be required just after entry and just before roll-out from each turn as ground speed is highest with the tailwind
- The bank will shallow as you continue through the 180° point where it will be the shallowest, gradually increasing
- Perform the second turn
- the roll-out from each turn must be completed on the proper heading with sufficient wind correction angle to ensure that after brief straight-and-level flight, the airplane will arrive at the point where a turn of the same radius can be made around the other pylon
- The straight-and-level flight segments must be tangent to both circular patterns
- Depart the maneuver on the entry heading
- Complete cruise checklist
Eights Around Pylons Common Errors:
- Failure to adequately clear the area
- Poor choice of pylons
- Improper entry to the maneuver
- Incorrect initial bank
- Skidding or slipping turns
- Excessive gain or loss of altitude
- Over concentration on the pylon and failure to observe traffic
- Not entering the pylon turns into the wind
- Failure to roll out of turns on proper heading
- Failure to assume a heading when flying between pylons that will compensate sufficiently for drift
- Failure to time the bank so that the turn entry is completed with the pylon in position
- Abrupt control usage
- Loss of orientation
Airman Certification Standards:
Conclusion:
- Consider practicing maneuvers on a flight simulator to introduce yourself to maneuvers or knock off rust
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