A visual explanation of pivotal altitude.

[@joelneuman2332]

After searching for many months, this is by far the best explanation I have come across. I have spoken to numerous CFI‘s and as a CFI candidate myself, I truly wanted to understand why pivotal altitude works the way it does. This is very clear by use of your explanation and graphics. Thanks so much and believe this should be viewed by any commercial or CFI candidate.

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

Thank you for your comment! I am glad you found it useful.

[@williamliebbe6323]

Thank you so much! I've been trying to figure out the best way to describe pivotal altitude for my CFI lesson plans, since none of the books really explain it well. Your way is a great visual to show students.

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

Thanks for your comment, I am glad it is useful.

[@jerryrobertson2347]

What a great explanation! This video on pivotal altitude is a definite must see for anyone doing 8's on Pylons.

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

Thanks

[@mikeSierraisking]

God damn it, Gump! You're a god damn genius! This is the most outstanding answer I have ever heard. You must have a goddamn I.Q. of 160. You are goddamn gifted, Private Gump. Listen up, people... (Also, Thank you kindly for this amazingly clear explanation)

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

You are welcome. I think when we can visualize these things we can understand them fully.

[@TangoAlpha_]

Thank you so much for the clear explanation!

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

Glad you found it useful.

[@whoanelly737-8]

BRILLIANT ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

Thank you!

[@seetheworldwithben747]

so basically, if your speed is fast, in order to stay in the same distance, you dont have to bank that much, it also means you wont lose that much vertical lift, that why your altitude is high when at a higher ground speed????

[@briankaiserauer2191]

Is it true to say that the radius of the turn stays the same given that the airspeed stays the same? The only thing that changes here is the ground speed which doesn’t affect the actual radius of the turn but just the reference line because you are looking at the ground.

[@lakefrontaviation3444]

The analysis presented is for the no-wind case, so airspeed and groundspeed are the same. If we fly in a circle at a constant speed and altitude, the radius will be constant.