Objective:

To develop the student's ability to maneuver the airplane in close proximity to the ground and to keep a point along a specific reference through changes in altitude as a response to changes in ground speed while dividing attention inside and outside the airplane.

Elements:

  1. Visually clear the area and determine the wind direction and speed.
  2. Select a straight ground reference line or road with two points (pylons) that are perpendicular to the direction of the wind with suitable emergency landing areas.
  3. Pylons must be far enough apart to provide 3-5 seconds of straight and level flight between turns.
  4. Determine approximate ground speed and calculate pivotal altitude. KTAS2/11.3
  5. Enter maneuver on 45° to downwind at the determined pivotal altitude and note heading.
  6. Abeam the selected pylon, begin a maximum bank turn (30°-40°) and pivot around pylon maintaining the reference point (wingtip) on the pylon. See diagrams color or bw.
    • Pylon forward - Controls Forward, Reduce Bank
    • Pylon rearward - Controls Back, Increase Bank
  7. After completing turn around first pylon, roll wings level and fly between selected pylons at 45° angle.
  8. Abeam the second pylon, begin turn in opposite direction and repeat step 6.
  9. After completing the turn around second pylon, depart the maneuver on entry heading.

Common Errors:

  1. Failure to clear the area of other traffic.
  2. Selecting reference points without a suitable emergency landing area within gliding distance.
  3. Improper entry of the maneuver relative to the wind.
  4. Excessive gain or loss of altitude.
  5. Failure to maintain reference line (Possibly due to misunderstanding of pivotal altitude).
  6. Improper selection of points or pylons.
  7. Poor planning, orientation, or division of attention inside and outside the aircraft.
  8. Uncoordinated flight control application.

References:

  • FAA Commercial Pilot PTS p. 1-25
  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pp 3-17 (Aerodynamic Forces During Maneuvers)
  • Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 6-12 – 6-16

Notes:

  • Neither constant altitude nor radius are required for this maneuver.
  • Pivotal Altitude: The altitude at which, for a given ground speed, the line of sight will appear to pivot on the chosen point. Does not vary with angle of bank unless bank affects ground speed.
  • Distance from pylon effects angle of bank.
  • If aircraft is HIGH, pylon will move forward of the "wingtip" and aircraft must DECEND.
  • If aircraft is LOW, pylon will fall behind the "wingtip" and aircraft must CLIMB.
  • Proper selection of pylons is essential for executing this maneuver correctly.
    1. After establishing aprox. pivotal alt. over fly area on a X-wind with wind off the right wing.
    2. Select points (pylons) to the left of the aircraft that are about 8-12 seconds apart.
    3. After passing second pylon continue outbound for 10sec and make a right teardrop back.
    4. Enter the maneuver 45° crosswind to downwind and pass between the two points.
    5. As reference line approaches pylon, begin the turn to the left while placing "wingtip" on pylon.
    6. As the turn progresses toward upwind, ground speed decreases and therefore so does the pivotal altitude. The aircraft must therefore descend to hold the pylon with ref. point "wingtip".
    7. As the aircraft turns through the upwind side of the pylon to the downwind side, ground speed will increase and therefore require a higher pivotal altitude. The aircraft may have to climb to hold the pylon and reference point even.
    8. As the aircraft approaches a downwind heading, roll out to make a 45° diagonal transition flying 3-5sec between the pylons to the downwind side of the second pylon.
    9. Repeat procedure in opposite direction for second pylon.