Objective:
Lazy eights teach precise control of pitch and bank in all combinations
and steady, constant application. Students will learn what a
lazy eight looks like and how it works.
Content:
Reasons for lazy eights. Procedures. Practice.
Equipment:
Picture of Lazy Eight (from Jeppesen Commercial Maneuvers chapter
or maneuvers booklet), model airplane, airworthy aircraft
Schedule:
Preflight ground school (30 minutes)
Getting aircraft airborne and instructor demonstrations (20 minutes)
Student practice (50 minutes)
Postflight feedback (10 minutes)
Instructor:
Preflight: (see lesson plan) motivate, explain, have student be
an armchair pilot, list common errors, discuss.
In flight: Demonstrate proper lazy eights while talking through
them. Coach and encourage student.
Postflight: Give feedback and suggestions.
Student:
Preflight: Attend to explanation, be an armchair pilot, answer
questions
In flight: Perform new maneuvers after demonstration
Postflight: Ask questions.
Completion standards:
Choose suitable entry altitude (above 1500 AGL) and 90-degree
reference point. Establish recommended entry power and airspeed.
Correct planning and aircraft mastery during the maneuver for
a constant change of pitch, bank, and turn rate.
Altitude and airspeed constant at 90 points +/-100 ft. and +/-10
kts, at stalling speed +5 to +10.
At 180-degreee points, heading +/-10 degrees.
At completion of maneuver, original altitude and airspeed +/-100
ft. and +/-10 kts.
Review: chandelles and steep turns
Objective: Understanding of lazy eights before trying
them
Materials: Illustration, handout
Attention/motivation: (1 minute)
You're good now with the pitch, and can hold an altitude in the
turns, but do you think you can make all the kinds of turns and
pitch changes work simultaneously, very subtly? This is the maneuver
for you. Two full minutes of sheer flying pleasure.
Overview and explanation: (long: maybe 15 minutes)
Use diagram, model plane, the Jeppesen notes (attached) and this
chart:
(oh, and this admonishment:) THIS IS A SLOW MANEUVER
Choose a reference point. Maneuver perpendicular to the wind.
Divide attention properly.
|
|
|
| Initial | Straight-and-level |
| Up to 45º |
Climbing turn: pitch up bank increase |
| 45º |
Pitch: maximum Bank: 15º |
| Up to 90º |
Pitch: decrease angle to horizon Bank: increase angle |
|
90º airspeed = stall +5 to +10 |
Fall through turn: Pitch: level Bank: maximum (30º) |
| Up to 135º |
Pitch: lower nose Bank: begin to roll out |
| 135º |
Pitch: lowest Bank: continue to roll out |
| 180º |
At original altitude, heading, and airspeed Pitch: level Bank: level |
Common errors:
#1: Trying to do it too fast. Excessive controlling
not clearing the area
poor selection of reference points
uncoordinated flight
poor planning = unsymmetrical loops
inconsistent airspeeds, altitudes, headings at key points
Oral evaluation/quiz and discussion questions:
Q: What is the purpose of this maneuver?
Q: What are the proper power settings and airspeed for starting
the maneuver?
Q: When is the maximum pitch? Bank? Level pitch? Roll out?
Q: Is there any point in this maneuver when the pilot is moving
only elevator or only ailerons?