Prepare for: Lazy Eights
Two linked 180° turns with smoothly changing pitch and bank that build fine control and coordination.
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
- Clear the area; enter at the recommended speed (finish no lower than 1,500 ft AGL).
- Pick 45°, 90° and 135° reference points along the horizon.
- At 45°: highest pitch. At 90°: steepest bank (about 30°), lowest speed, nose crossing the horizon. At 135°: lowest pitch.
- Arrive at 180° at entry altitude and airspeed, then reverse into the second half.
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.D · Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES)
- Clear the area.
- Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
- Establish the recommended entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
- Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
- Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:
- Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-and- level flight.
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
- Draw the lazy eight shape the nose traces on the horizon.
- Practice the 45/90/135 checkpoints on paper.
Common mistakes
- Rushing the maneuver (it should feel lazy and smooth).
- Uncoordinated controls as speed changes.
Questions to ask your instructor
- How strict will you be on altitude at the 180° points?
- What's your favorite reference point technique?
Check yourself
Something wrong or out of date? Report an error