its lowest pitch attitude.  [Figure 9-4D] Pilots should remember that the airplane’s airspeed is increasing as the airplane’s pitch attitude decreases; therefore, to maintain proper coordination will require a decrease in right rudder pressure. As the airplane approaches the 180° point, it is necessary to progressively relax rudder and aileron pressure while simultaneously raising pitch and roll to level flight. As the rollout is being accomplished, the pilot should note the amount of turn remaining and adjust the rate of rollout and pitch change so that the wings and nose are level at the original airspeed just as the 180° point is reached. 

Upon arriving at 180° point, a climbing turn should be started immediately in the opposite direction toward the preselected reference points to complete the second half of the lazy eight in the same manner as the first half.  [Figure 9-4E] 

Power should be set so as not to enter the maneuver at an airspeed that would exceed manufacturer’s recommendations, which is generally no greater than V$_{A}$. Power and bank angle have significant effect on the altitude gained or lost; if excess power is used for a given bank angle, altitude is gained at the completion of the maneuver; however, if insufficient power is used for a given bank angle, altitude is lost. 

Common errors when performing lazy eights are: 

• Not clearing the area 

• Maneuver is not symmetrical across each 180° 

• Inadequate or improper selection or use of 45°, 90°, 135° references 

• Ineffective planning 

• Gain or loss of altitude at each 180° point 

• Poor control at the top of each climb segment resulting in the pitch rapidly falling through the horizon 

• Airspeed or bank angle standards not met 

• Control roughness 

• Poor flight control coordination 

• Stalling at any point during the maneuver 

• Execution of a steep turn instead of a climbing maneuver 

• Not scanning for other traffic during the maneuver 

• Performing by reference to the flight instrument rather than visual references 

## Chapter Summary 

Performance maneuvers are used to develop a pilot’s skills in coordinating the flight control’s use and effect while enhancing the pilot’s ability to divide attention across the various demands of flight. Performance maneuvers are also designed to further develop a pilot’s application and correlation of the fundamentals of flight and integrate developing skills into advanced maneuvers. Developing highly-honed skills in performance maneuvers allows the pilot to effectively progress toward the mastery of flight. Mastery is developed as the mechanics of flight become a subconscious, rather than a conscious, application of the flight controls to maneuver the airplane in attitude, orientation, and position. 

