Eights on Pylons
The goal of the eights-on-pylons is to have an imaginary line that extends from the pilot's eyes to the pylon. Altitude is varied to maintain a specific visual reference to the pivot points.
If a taut string were extended from the airplane to the pylon, the string would remain parallel to lateral axis as the airplane turned around the pylon.
The pilot should use a visual reference line that, from eye level, parallels the lateral axis of the airplane.
Pivotal altitude (AGL) is determined by the airplane's groundspeed. The square of the groundspeed is divided by 11.3 (knots) or 15 (MPH).
Knots/AGL: 80/566 - 85/639 - 90/717 - 95/798 - 100/884.
"Fly high to fall back. Fly low to catch up." Wind changes groundspeed and pivotal altitude. Downwind: Fly the high road. Upwind: fly the low road. "Down-high, up-low."
Airman Certification Standards
- Determine the approximate pivotal altitude.
- Select suitable pylons.
- Enter the maneuver in the correct direction, position, altitude, airspeed.
- Establish the correct bank angle for the conditions, not to exceed 40º
- Apply smooth and continuous corrections so that the line-of-sight reference line remains on the pylon.
- Divide attention between accurate, coordinated airplane control and outside visual references.
- Maintain pylon position using appropriate pivotal altitude, avoiding slips and skids.