XII.D.

Eights on
Pylons_____________________________________________________________
References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
3. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-23

Objective To develop the students understanding of Eight’s On Pylons as it pertains to aviation.

Elements 1. Maneuver Explanation

2. Planning
3. Effects of Wind
4. Maneuver Execution

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. Airplane Flying Handbook
3. Commercial PTS
4. Model Airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the
Standards elements related to Eight’s On Pylons.

XII.D. Eights on Pylons

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Instructor’s Notes: Eights on Pylons_______________________________________________
INTRODUCTION:
WHAT? – Training maneuver involving flying the airplane in circular paths, alternately left and right, in the form
of a figure “8” around two selected points or “pylons” on the ground. In this case, however, no attempt is made to
maintain a uniform distance from the pylon, instead, the airplane is flown at such an altitude and airspeed that a
line parallel to the airplane’s lateral axis, and extending from the pilot’s eye appears to pivot on each of the
pylons.
WHY? – To develop the ability to maneuver the airplane accurately while dividing one’s attention between the
flight path and the selected points on the ground.
OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Eight’s On Pylons, including:
1. Maneuver Explanation
2. Planning
3. Effects of Wind
4. Maneuver Execution

DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) Maneuver Explanation
A.) Overview
1. Describe with model the maneuver. Include:
a) One turn around two pylons in a figure eight
b) Enter up wind at a 45 deg angle between pylons with first pylon on left
c) Turn around first pylon and roll out when on 45 deg between pylons again
d) Allow 3-5 seconds of level flight between 1st and 2nd pylon
e) Turn around second pylon and roll out on entry heading
f) Maintain Pylon on wing tip
B.) Pivotal Altitude
1. Specific altitude at which, at a given ground speed, in a turn, the wing tip will appear to pivot on a
point on the ground.
2. Example with 50 feet and 10,000 feet AGL
a) 50’, in a turn the point blasts rearward of wing tip
b) 10,000’, in a turn the wing tip moves rearward of a point on the ground
c) At some point in between, the point will remain stationary
3. Dependant on Groundspeed
a) Faster planes with faster airspeed affect ground speed
b) Wind affects ground speed
4. Formula
a) Ground Speed (MPH) Squared / 15
(1) 109 x 109 / 15 = 11881 / 15 = 792
b) Ground Speed (Kts) Squared / 11.4
(1) 95 x 95 / 11.4 = 9025 / 11.4 = 792
5. Controls
a) Set throttle at beginning for 95 Kts and lock
b) Trim for level flight at 800 feet
c) Maintain coordination through out turns
(1) Control altitude with elevator
(2) Control bank with ailerons
(3) If pylon is maintained with rudder, SPIN is possible

XII.D. Eights on Pylons

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2.) Planning
A.) When selecting pylons
1. Away from power lines, houses, communities, livestock, assemblies of people, etc…
2. Perpendicular to wind
3. Landing area within glide distance
4. Prominent
5. Don’t Spend all day!!!
3.) Effects of Wind
A.) As we see from formula
1. Ground speed affects pivotal altitude
2. Wind affects ground speed
3. When we have a Tail wind
a) Ground speed is fastest
b) Pivotal Altitude is Highest
4. When we have a Head wind
a) Ground speed is slowest
b) Pivotal Altitude is Lowest
B.) Wind will tend to blow airplane toward or away from pylon
1. On upwind, Airplane is blown toward pylon
a) Requires a steeper bank to maintain pylon alignment
2. On downwind, Airplane is blown away from pylon
a) Requires a shallower bank to maintain pylon alignment
3. Wind effect on ground track is not considered. Pylon alignment is only concern
4. Between pylons, wind will tend to blow you away from second pylon
a) Maintain crab to keep 45 deg angle between pylons
4.) Maneuver Execution (Cadet)
A.) Select suitable pylons perpendicular to wind-line in unpopulated area with an emergency landing site
within glide distance
B.) Enter at 45 deg to downwind at 95 Kts (2250 RPM) at an altitude of 800 ft
C.) Abeam first pylon bank toward the pylon
D.) Maintain correct lateral axis position (reference line on pylon)
1. Pylon forward: Controls forward, reduce bank angle
2. Pylon rearward: Controls rearward, increase bank angle
E.) After completing turn on first pylon allow 3-5 seconds of straight and level, then roll toward second
pylon
1. Important: Maintain altitude between pylons!!!
F.) After completing turn around second pylon, depart on entry heading
G.) Through out maneuver remain above 500 feet AGL!!!
CONCLUSION
OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. Maneuver Explanation
2. Planning
3. Effects of Wind
4. Maneuver Execution
PRIVATE PTS
Not Applicable
COMMERCIAL PTS
As Stated

COMPLETION STANDARDS:
This lesson will be complete when student has adequate understanding of Eight’s On Pylons.

XII.D. Eights on Pylons

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