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FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL 

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to details, and greater accuracy of planning. They are less exacting than pylon eights or eights "on" pylons, for which they serve as an introduction, and are given during the transitional period from elementary to accuracy work. Because of this position in the curriculum they will require, and the student can reasonably be expected to demonstrate: Better technique and planning; quicker grasping of the essentials of the maneuver; better control of altitude and attitude; more accurate anticipation; better application of previously learned principles; and closer following of detailed instruction; as well as retention of instruction. 

EIGHTS AROUND PYLONS 
FLIGHT PATH AROUND THE PYLONS IS A TRUE CIRCLE WITH ALL RADII EQUAL 

FIGURE 13.

  The points selected should be outstanding and readily picked up by the vision even though attention is primarily directed elsewhere. They must be in areas well away from other traffic. Isolated trees, clumps of bushes, water tanks, bridges, hay stacks, etc., all make good points or pylons. Houses, barns, or other objects in areas where people or livestock are present should not be used. The pylons should be so located that an imaginary line connecting them will be at right angles to the wind, and all turns are to be made into the wind. This is not because any other relationship of the wind makes their performance impossible or turns down wind will have such an effect, but to keep the student always conscious of the wind and continuously considering its direction and velocity. 
  Usually more time is wasted by a student in attempting to find pylons he considers suitable than on any other factor. This is mainly because he has preconceived ideas of the type he wants and he will search the whole countryside trying to find them unless specifically and repeatedly cautioned against it. it is estimated that approximately 50 percent of the solo time delegated to the practice of pylon eights is wasted in this manner unless this precaution is observed and the instructions regarding such a practice repeatedly stressed. 
  The distance between pylons is a relative factor depending on the altitude at which the eights are to be performed, and the type and speed of the airplane. It is a factor that is best determined through demonstration and trial. The distance should be enough to permit recovery from the turn and straight flight for a sufficient length of