- Adjust your power to recommended entry airspeed. As you approach the pylons, the entry altitude you select should be close to the estimated pivotal altitude.
Pivotal Altitude = TAS (in mph) * .15
- Enter a diagonal between the pylons from the downwind side of the pylons.
- Maintain straight-and-level flight until you are approximately abeam the first pylon, then roll into a 30° to 40° angle of bank.
- Gradually decrease your pivotal altitude and slightly reduce your angle of bank as you turn directly into the wind.
- Begin the rollout to straight-and-level flight as you complete the first turn. Maintain straight-and-level flight for 3 to 5 seconds and crab into the wind, as necessary, to correct for wind drift.
- Initiate a turn in the opposite direction when the pylon is aligned with the wind reference point.
- Exhibit knowledge of the elements related to eights-on-pylons including the relationship of groundspeed change to performance of the maneuver.
- Determine the approximate pivotal altitude.
- Select suitable pylons, considering emergency landing areas, that will permit 3 to 5 seconds of straight-and-level flight between them.
- Attain proper configuration and airspeed prior to entry.
- Apply the necessary corrections so that the line-of-sight reference remains on the pylon with minimum longitudinal movement.
- Demonstrate proper orientation, division of attention, and planning.
- Apply the necessary wind drift correction to track and properly between the pylons.
- Hold pylons using pivotal altitude, avoiding slips and skids.