Prepare for: Eights on Pylons
Flying figure eights around two ground points at the pivotal altitude so a line-of-sight reference stays on each pylon.
Your CFI's syllabus and your airplane's POH come first. This page is a general study aid to help you show up prepared.
What you'll do
- Estimate pivotal altitude: groundspeed (knots)² ÷ 11.3 = feet AGL.
- Pick two pylons that allow a few seconds of straight flight between them.
- Enter downwind between the pylons and turn so the wingtip reference sits on the first pylon.
- If the pylon moves ahead of the reference, descend; if it moves behind, climb. Don't use rudder to fix it.
- Bank never exceeds 40°; then fly to the other pylon and turn the opposite direction.
The standard you'll be held to
Quoted from the current FAA Airman Certification Standards for each level that tests this.
Commercial Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-7B)Task CA.V.E · Eights on Pylons (ASEL, ASES)
- Clear the area.
- Determine the approximate pivotal altitude.
- Select suitable pylons that permits straight-and-level flight between the pylons.
- Enter the maneuver in the correct direction and position using an appropriate altitude and airspeed.
- Establish the correct bank angle for the conditions, not to exceed 40°.
- Apply smooth and continuous corrections so that the line-of-sight reference line remains on the pylon.
- Divide attention between accurate, coordinated airplane control and outside visual references.
- Maintain pylon position using appropriate pivotal altitude, avoiding slips and skids.
Flight Instructor ACS (FAA-S-ACS-25)Task FI.IX.F · Eights on Pylons (ASEL, ASES)
See this task in the official ACS.
Read it in the FAA handbooks
The official chapters behind this page. Each link opens the exact chapter, free on faa.gov. See the full Study Library.
Prepare the night before
- Calculate pivotal altitude for your expected groundspeeds.
- Find good pylons on a map before the flight.
Common mistakes
- Using rudder to hold the pylon (a skid).
- Reacting late, so altitude swings are large.
Questions to ask your instructor
- What pylons do you like around here?
- How much will groundspeed change in today's wind?
Check yourself
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