Eights on Pylons

Objective: The student will be introduced to eights on pylons along with what a pivotal altitude is.

Completion Standards: The student will be able to explain the purpose eights on pylons. the student will also be able to explain the sight picture along with the pivotal altitude. The student will also be able to explain the procedures.

References: AFH

Equipment: White Board and markers, iPad/ computer 

IP’s Actions:

• Assess student

• State the objective and completion standards

• Writes down references

• Provide attention getter

• Present content

• Assessment

• Assign Homework

SP’s Actions:

• Take notes

• Ask Questions

Introduction: 

(Attention Getter) : (Link goes here)

Motivation: (Discuss purpose for lesson and relate to Attention getter)

Overview:

1. Purpose

2. Sight Picture 

3. Pivotal Altitude 

4. Procedure

Content:

Purpose

• The objective of this maneuver is to develop the ability to maneuver the airplane accurately

• The most advanced and difficult of the ground-reference maneuvers

• Eights around pylons except altitude is varied to maintain a specific visual reference to the pivot points

• Dividing one’s attention between the flight path and the selected points on the ground

• The goal of eights on pylons is to keep the line from the pilot's eyes to the pylon parallel to the lateral axis

Sight Picture 

• Pivoting around point

• if a taut string extended from the pilot's eyes to the pylon,

  • The string would remain parallel to lateral axis as the airplane makes a turn around the pylon.

• LINE OF SIGHT

Pivotal Altitude Definition/ Workhorse/ Draw

• Fancy word for your altitude changes while your sight picture stays the same

• To find pivotal altitude:

  • GS211.3

Show Excel Sheet 

Procedure

Set up Power Stays Constant

1. Determine the wind direction.

2. Perform the PRE-MANEUVER FLOW and make a position report (see page 2-26).

3. Select two (2) reference points (pylons) in an area where an emergency landing can be made if necessary and that lies 90° (perpendicular) to the direction of the wind.

4. Establish 100 KIAS (approx. 2200 RPM) and pivotal altitude.

Entry/ maneuver

1. Enter the maneuver on a 45°(diagonally) to the downwind and at a distance from the pylons that will 

   1. require the use of a 30° to 40° angle of bank at the steepest point during the maneuver.

2. Bug Heading

3. At the position where the pylon appears to be just ahead of the wingtip, 

   1. smoothly roll into a coordinated turn so that the line-of-sight reference can be placed on the pylon.

4. As the turn around the pylon progresses,

   1.  gradually increase/decrease the bank and pitch, as necessary, to hold the line-of-sight reference to the pylon.

5. Approximately three-quarters around the pylon (perpendicular to the original entry track),

   1. Establish straight and level flight with adequate wind correction (crab) to maintain a constant ground track

   2. Transition to the second pylon.

6. Repeat in opposite direction

Exit

1. After completing the turn around the second pylon,

   1. Depart the maneuver on the entry heading.

2. Set cruise power.

3. Re-trim as necessary.

Common Errors

• Failure to adequately clear the surrounding area for safety hazards, initially and throughout the maneuver.

• Skidding or slipping in turns (whether trying to hold the pylon with rudder or not).

• Excessive gain or loss of altitude.

• Poor choice of pylons.

• Not entering the pylon turns into the wind.

• Failure to assume a heading when flying between pylons that will compensate sufficiently for drift.

• Failure to time the bank so that the turn entry is completed with the pylon in position.

• Abrupt control usage.

• Inability to select pivotal altitude.

Conclusion

1. Purpose

2. Sight Picture 

3. Pivotal Altitude 

4. Procedure

(Questions to assess student)

What is a pivotal altitude and how do we find it?

What is line of site?

How do we enter an eights on pylons?

What is the purpose?

HW:

Look over AFH