Chandelle
A chandelle is a maximum performance, 180º climbing turn that begins from approximately straight-and-level flight and concludes with the airplane in a wings-level, nose-high attitude just above stall speed.
The first 90º of a chandelle is defined by constant bank and changing pitch. The second 90º of the maneuver is defined by constant pitch and changing bank.
During the first 90º, the pilot will set the bank angle, and then increase power and pitch at a rate so that maximum pitch-up is set at the completion of the first 90º.
Starting at the 90º point, the pilot begins a slow and coordinated constant rate rollout so as to have the wings level when the airplane is at the 180º point while maintaining the constant pitch attitude set in the first 90º.
Airman Certification Standards
- Establish the appropriate entry configuration, power, and airspeed
- Establish the angle of bank at approximately 30º.
- Simultaneously apply power and pitch to maintain a smooth, coordinated climbing turn, in either direction, to the 90º point, with a constant bank and continually decreasing airspeed
- Begin a coordinated constant rate rollout from the 90º point to the 180º point maintaining power and a constant pitch attitude.
- Complete rollout at the 180º point, ±10º just above a stall airspeed, and maintaining that airspeed momentarily avoiding a stall.
- Resume a straight-and-level flight with minimum loss of altitude.