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 — the ultimate exercise in smooth, coordinated control and planning. A commercial maneuver.
Pre-Maneuver Checklist (CRAAC)
- Clearing turns — two 90° turns or one 180° turn; look for traffic
- Reference point — select a visual reference and set the heading bug
- Altitude — high enough to complete the maneuver at or above 1,500 ft AGLACS minimums: slow flight and stall recovery complete ≥1,500 ft AGL; ground reference maneuvers enter at 600–1,000 ft AGL.
- Airspeed — at or below Va (105 @ 2,325 lb / 90 @ 1,900 lb kt)
- Configuration — fuel pump ON, lights ON, mixture RICH, flaps as needed
Setup
- 95 kt (approx. 2,300 RPM), maintain altitude
- Clean configuration flow
- Choose a reference point off the wing
Execution
- Simultaneously and slowly increase pitch and bank
- 45° point: about 15° pitch up, 20° bankThe 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.
- 90° point: level pitch, 30° bank, minimum speed (5–10 kt above stall)
- Continue reducing pitch and bank — 135° point: about 10° pitch down, 20° bank
Recovery
- 180° point: level flight at entry airspeed and altitude
- 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