Commercial Pilot · Area V: Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers

Task E. Eights on Pylons (ASEL, ASES)

FAA-S-ACS-7B · Effective 2024-05-31

Knowledge

What you should understand and be able to explain.

5 elements
  • CA.V.E.K1
    Purpose of eights on pylons.
  • CA.V.E.K2
    Aerodynamics associated with the eights on pylons, including coordinated and uncoordinated flight.
  • CA.V.E.K3
    Pivotal altitude and factors that affect it.
  • CA.V.E.K4
    Effect of wind on ground track.
  • CA.V.E.K5
    Phases of the eights on pylons maneuver from entry to recovery.

Risk management

Risks to recognize and decisions to consider.

7 elements
  • CA.V.E.R1
    Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
  • CA.V.E.R2
    Collision hazards.
  • CA.V.E.R3
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • CA.V.E.R4
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • CA.V.E.R5
    Uncoordinated flight.
  • CA.V.E.R6
    Energy management.
  • CA.V.E.R7
    Emergency landing considerations.
Skill elements and task objectives

This page covers knowledge and risk management. For the complete task, including skill standards, open the FAA document (PDF).