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Lazy Eights

Reference: Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 10

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Attention: Although challenging, this is a fun maneuver.

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Motivation:

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Objective: The Student Will Understand the Elements and Necessary Control Inputs to Perform A Lazy Eight Maneuver According to the ACS.

Learning Objective (Index)

A maneuver consisting of two 180º turns in opposite directions, while making a climb and descent in a symmetrical pattern during each of the turns.
It is designed to develop coordination of controls through a wide range of airspeeds and altitudes.

The lazy eight develops coordination of the controls through a wide range of airspeeds and altitudes.
It is a great trainer because of the constantly varying forces and attitudes required.

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Not clearing the area
Maneuver is not symmetrical across each 180°
Inadequate or improper selection or use of 45°, 90°, 135° references
Ineffective planning
Gain or loss of altitude at each 180° point
Poor control at the top of each climb segment resulting in the pitch rapidly falling through the horizon 7. Airspeed or bank angle standards not met
Control roughness
Poor flight control coordination
Stalling at any point during the maneuver
Execution of a steep turn instead of a climbing maneuver
Not scanning for other traffic during the maneuver
Performing by reference to the flight instruments rather than visual references

Clear the area.
Select an altitude that will allow the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet AGL.
Establish the recommended entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:

Approximately 30° bank at the steepest point
Constant change of pitch and roll rate and airspeed
Altitude at 180° point, ±100 feet from entry altitude
Airspeed at the 180° point, ±10 knots from entry airspeed
Heading at the 180° point, ±10 degrees
Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-and-level flight.