CPL Checkride Guide
Chair flying / Lazy Eights

Lazy Eights

Two symmetrical 180° turns in opposite directions with continuously changing pitch and bank, tracing a figure-eight against the horizon. It demands smooth, coordinated control and continuous planning. A commercial maneuver.

Guided rehearsal is PremiumACS V.D: Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES)

Pre-Maneuver Checklist (CRAAC)

  1. Clearing turns: two 90° turns or one 180° turn; look for traffic
  2. Reference point: select a visual reference and set the heading bug
  3. Altitude: the task's entry altitude; ground reference 600–1,000 ft AGL, slow flight and stalls finish at or above 1,500 ft AGL
    Ground reference maneuvers enter at 600–1,000 ft AGL and hold altitude ±100 ft. Slow flight and stalls (and the commercial chandelles, lazy eights, and steep spiral) finish no lower than 1,500 ft AGL. Eights on pylons fly at pivotal altitude.
  4. Airspeed: at or below Va (105 @ 2,325 lb / 90 @ 1,900 lb kt)
  5. Configuration: fuel pump ON, lights ON, mixture RICH, flaps as needed

Setup

  1. 95 kt (approx. 2,300 RPM), maintain altitude
  2. Clean configuration flow
  3. Choose a reference point off the wing

Execution

  1. Simultaneously and slowly increase pitch and bank
  2. 45° point: about 15° pitch up, 20° bank
    The maneuver is defined by the reference points: 45° point highest pitch-up, 90° point level pitch with maximum bank at minimum speed, 135° point lowest pitch.
  3. 90° point: level pitch, 30° bank, minimum speed (5–10 kt above stall)
  4. Continue reducing pitch and bank. 135° point: about 10° pitch down, 20° bank

Recovery

  1. 180° point: level flight at entry airspeed and altitude
  2. Repeat in the opposite direction

ACS tolerances

  • Altitude ±100 ft
  • Airspeed ±10 kt
  • Heading / reference ±10°

Common errors

  • Rushing: the maneuver should be slow and continuous
  • Asymmetry between the left and right halves
  • Missing the pitch/bank targets at the 45/90/135° points