Lazy Eights
Commercial ASC
Area of Operation V. Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers
Task D. Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES)
ASC Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lazy eights.
Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this task.
MANEUVER OBJECTIVE:
“Develop the proper coordination of the flight controls across a wide range of
airspeeds and attitudes. It is the only standard flight training maneuver in which flight control pressures are constantly changing.” (see Airplane Flying Handbook).
The Lazy Eight is the only maneuver that teaches the over-banking tendency of an aircraft when you bank the plane and slow down.
Knowledge: The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
CA.V.D.K1 How to conduct proper lazy eights.
CA.V.D.K2 Aerodynamics associated with lazy eights, including how to maintain coordinated flight.
CA.V.D.K3 Performance and airspeed limitations.
CA.V.D.K4 Phases of the lazy eight maneuver from entry to recovery.
Risk Management: Applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
CA.V.D.R1 Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
CA.V.D.R2 Collision hazards.
CA.V.D.R3 Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
CA.V.D.R4 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.V.D.R5 Uncoordinated flight.
CA.V.D.R6 Energy management.
CA.V.D.R7 Accelerated stalls.
Skills: The applicant exhibits the skill to:
CA.V.D.S1 Clear the area.
CA.V.D.S2 Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground
level (AGL).
CA.V.D.S3 Establish the recommended entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
CA.V.D.S4 Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
CA.V.D.S5 Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:
CA.V.D.S5aa. Approximately 30° bank at the steepest point
CA.V.D.S5bb. Constant change of pitch and roll rate and airspeed
CA.V.D.S5cc. Altitude at 180° point, ±100 feet from entry altitude
CA.V.D.S5dd. Airspeed at the 180° point, ±10 knots from entry airspeed
CA.V.D.S5ee. Heading at the 180° point, ±10°
CA.V.D.S6 Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-and-level flight.
Common errors when performing lazy eights are:
1. Not clearing the area
2. Maneuver is not symmetrical across each 180°
3. Inadequate or improper selection or use of 45°, 90°, 135° references
4. Ineffective planning
5. Gain or loss of altitude at each 180° point
6. 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
8. Control roughness
9. Poor flight control coordination
10. Stalling at any point during the maneuver
11. Execution of a steep turn instead of a climbing maneuver
12. Not scanning for other traffic during the maneuver
13. Performing by reference to the flight instruments rather than visual references