Page 25 - PDF-Sample

Chapter-7 Ground Reference Maneuvers-V20_Sport Pilot Handbook 8/30/2021 6:12 PM Page 37

Chapter 7 - Ground Reference Maneuvers 7-37

Pivotal Altitude Changes With Changes in Groundspeed

D E F L K

M

H G N O

Pivotal altitude decreasing Pivotal altitude decreasing

Fig. 45 Fig. 46
As the airplane heads into the wind (positions D to F and K to M) the groundspeed decreases. Therefore, the pivotal altitude
decreases and the airplane must be pointed nose down slightly. As the airplane turns away from a direct headwind (positions
F to H and M to O) groundspeed increases and you must apply slight aft elevator pressure to increase your pivotal altitude.

they will occur with this maneuver. That’s just Elevator forward if
fine. This is all about keeping that lateral ref- pylon moves ahead
erence line on the pylon. of lateral reference
As you move from positions F to H in Fig-
ure 43, you’ll find that you’ve had to climb
a little more to remain at pivotal altitude.
When reaching position H, you’ll want to
roll out, maintain altitude and fly wings-
level to position K, where you’ll begin a
right pivot around the pylon. This means
that you must roll out on a heading that
allows you to fly for three to five seconds di-
agonally between pylons and arrive at approx-
imately the same distance from the pylon that
Fig. 47
you used when beginning your first pylon turn. So you
must roll out crabbed into the wind with a wind correction
angle applied to correct for drift (Figure 43, po-
sitions I and J). Make your best estimate for Elevator rearward if
the WCA and modify it, if necessary, to pylon moves behind
lateral reference
maintain the selected ground track.
When reaching Figure 43, position K
abeam the second pylon, it’s time to lower
the wing and place the lateral reference line
directly on the pylon. Now apply the same
techniques used to maintain your pivotal
altitude through positions K and O in
Figure 43.
Plan on doing two full circuits of
eights on pylons to demonstrate that you
have sufficient skill and don’t hate the eight.
Fig. 48
With a little practice, you’ll become proficient
at this maneuver. When you do it says something
very positive about your airmanship skills.