How to REALLY fly a Lazy Eight - Commercial Pilot Maneuver

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In this video, I answer the request to expand on the flight maneuver called the Lazy 8. This maneuver is not required by the Private Pilot certificate but it is on the Commercial Pilot ACS. However, I use this maneuver regularly during pilot training to make sure that pilots understand how the airplane will over the bank during a slowing turn. There is no other maneuver that demonstrates how this works. Fly Your Best!
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*Special Thanks to Michael Bizar for providing the music. All of the music in this video is composed and performed by Michael.
*Special Thanks to JP for the awesome B Roll footage of the Cessna.

[@dr.barbeque2767]

Passed my commercial checkride today and wanted to thank you for posting this video. I did a lazy eight and this video was huge in my mastery of this maneuver

[@amaurysmarmolejos6525]

What you up to now?

[@jacyborreaux919]

I have a commercial license and was never able to do good lazy eights. I'm glad the DPE didn't asked me to do one in my checkride. Anyway I went out and tried this method and it just works! Outstanding

[@joro18d93]

I commented when I first saw this video then I practiced it with precision on the first try. I showed my CFI and he was very impressed. He said it's not fair that you can do this so easily and everyone else struggles with it including him. He tried it and loved the technique. 2 Thumbs up again.

[@MichaelLloyd]

I have never seen it taught that way. Outstanding!!

[@texasscout1]

I totally agree, I’m just a signed off from taking my check ride and this maneuver is still eating my lunch.

[@747-pilot]

Ric P Exactly. My checkride is next week. This maneuver seems the most difficult, in addition to chandelles, although they are a bit easier. My instructor did not teach it this way, although she did say to be veeeerrrry laaaaazy, sooooo laaaazy, 😆 with the maneuver! I’m really glad to have found this video and the one on chandelles. For some reason I don’t seem to have much of a problem with eight-on-pylons.

[@flyboy6354]

Outstanding video! I just passed my commercial in June and I wish I had been taught it that way. So much more sense!

[@TheFinerPoints]

Congrats! Never too late to go have fun and check out how it works. It's really the only maneuver that teaches over banking in a slowing turn and that's an important concept to know well.

[@e.normusbalzac7605]

This is a priceless demonstration that takes all the mystery out of the Lazy-8 ------- thanks SO MUCH for sharing this!! I'm going to get in my airplane this weekend and try it out!

[@TiagoSeiler]

First lazy 8 maneuvers today, it went alright but I was very focused on my instrument readings (15 bank at 45, 30 at 90, etc). Now I've seen this video and I'll try again tomorrow. Let's see how it goes!

[@SleepyHapa]

Currently working on my commercial and I have been struggling with my Lazy Eights. I learned that I might be over-controlling the plane and releasing a little too late. I'm going to apply what I learned on tomorrows flight! Wish me luck!

[@sgtjonzo]

how'd you go?

[@drewbrown7513]

This is crazy. Couldn’t do these for the longest time watched this video and boom it’s easy. Definitely one of my favorites now

[@randybranson1009]

When working on my Commercial ticket, the Lazy 8 was my favorite one. I still like doing them (30 years later) as a relaxing maneuver and one that's actually enjoyable for passengers to experience.

[@downwithreactionaries9031]

I am going through my CPL training, struggling in the maneuvers. This is definitely the best training video ever seen. Can you demo some other CPL maneuvers as well. Bet that will help a lot of struggling students. Thank you!

[@abruzzim]

You may be the first instructor I have come across who can explain the Lazy Eight in a way that makes it possible. I'm currently training for my CFI-A certificate and will give your method a try. Stay tuned!

[@brianparkman8183]

This has been my hardest maneuver to learn and I'm taking my commercial check ride in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to try it out. You make it so simple.

[@nickromanick4022]

I’m working on my commercial single, and I like the feel of doing it this way. I still had to add more bank input in the LSA I’m in, but this worked so beautifully. I was taught pitch-pitch-bank as my first introduction to this maneuver, and that made no sense to my brain. As I said, this worked great!

[@seanlambie3758]

Jason! These instructional videos of yours are really awesome! Your knowledge is second to none, the explanations are clear and concise and you package it all up into a great little short video with clear audio to boot! Nicely done! (BTW I've got almost 15,000 hrs flight experience and your videos keep me interested to the end!) Thanks!

[@endolphin]

This is eye-opening. I've been having hard time to demystify the CPL textbook but your explanation is sooooooo easy and simple! THANK YOU!

[@TPlasticModellingT]

Thank you for the video, I learned more from you in 10 minutes than in a few hours with 2 different instructors, now this makes total sense!!

[@TheFinerPoints]

israel Luor 🙏🏻

[@thizswagblapcity]

Just showed a struggling student this and they performed it perfectly first try!

[@danasampson818]

I am working on my commercial. I have been practicing Lazy 8’s and have been struggling with them. I will try this method on Monday!

[@MusicmatchJukebox]

Awesome explanation, Jason! I’m currently on the cusp of my commercial checkride and this was incredibly informative. Definitely gonna try this tomorrow in the DA40.

[@medyassinelkhider2269]

I have done the maneuvers several times before but after watching you I feel like I finally understand it and can spot different errors that I usually make. THank you

[@JavaSQL]

Incredible instructions on how to perform the lazy eights using an unconventional explanation and analogy, Jason. This is why I love your videos. You help students visualize what's happening and then show them. 💯 Excellent stuff man.

[@FoxVictorBravo]

That was excellent, never seen it explained this way. Makes so much sense now and that explains why I have been struggling with having too much bank at the 90 degree point.

[@FoxVictorBravo]

Hey Jason, thought I'd share a quick update. I went for my CFI initial checkride last week and guess what maneuver I had to teach on the white board for Area 4... That's right, the lazy 8. It's really funny because this maneuver was the one I had the most trouble with during my Commercial training. Now and thanks to this video, it is the one I enjoy flying the most and I think it will be a lot of fun to teach as well. The DPE was pretty impressed by my performance. He mentioned that the #1 issue he sees over and over with pilots and CFIs is too much bank at the 90 degree point, i.e. over-controlling the airplane. That didn't surprise me one bit since I had that problem too initially. Anyways, just wanted to thank you once again for sharing this video. This is such an elegant maneuver when flown properly. Oh, and I passed on the first attempt :-) Looking forward to teaching.

[@REBooner30]

Lazy 8s with my CFI today! Interesting that for students who struggle with this maneuver he teaches it the same way you demonstrate here. Essentially start with slight bank and pull using only rudder to stay coordinated. It’s going to take some practice to nail the airspeed at the bottom\180 but I was fairly successful hitting the altitude bogey to both the left and right. Your video helped me immensely in prep for this. Thanks 🙏

[@brianyurkovitch5744]

Great video. It has been a long time since I have done a lazy 8. I love how you demonstrate the maneuver. I have been away from flying for almost 20 years but great videos like this really increasing my desire to get back in the air. Keep up the good work.

[@TheFinerPoints]

Join us up there again Brian! I have never seen a time like this for aviation. I feel like a child of the drought. We're headed back into a golden age.

[@PilotCristina]

Awesome! I did some today with your technique and I can’t believe how much I’ve been overthinking it but with your video it has made this maneuver so much easier.

[@abbieamavi]

*to echo off the comments below...that was the simplest and best explanation I've ever heard. and I'm definitely a visual hands on learner, but your textual/auditory definition of it clicked right away from me!! I'm glad I AM here BEFORE my commercial checkride. Thank you so much!!*

[@apilotbgsu172]

you definitely put that where the goats can get it! the explanation was the best I've heard so far. getting ready for the checkride.

[@freireroberto]

I just practice this maneuver with my CFI yesterday. I loved it! Thanks for sharing.

[@flygirl6048]

I wish I had seen this for my commercial... That being said, now i'm doing my CFI and the maneuver FINALLY makes sense!

[@jaredwatson9370]

Same!!

[@Xaunoki]

I'm currently practicing Commercial manuevers and this tutorial was fantastic! Thank you!

[@ryanmcfarland6086]

Great video! Your explanation of the lazy eight is much better than any of the instructors I've flown with. Thanks!

[@footeythegreat]

i havent heard the manuever explained this way before, ill have to try it on my next lesson. Thanks its always been one that i struggled with

[@Oni76]

Jason, there's a beauty and simplicity in the way you teach that I absolutely enjoy. I've certainly used many of your tips through videos and podcasts for my PPL. Big thanks for sharing your time and effort. 👍🏼

[@TheFinerPoints]

Thanks for saying so Oni, It really means a lot to hear stuff like that, thx

[@annabanana4789]

Hands down, best explanation of this maneuver on the internet. Thank you!!!

[@TroyWhistman]

Thank you! Working on Commercial maneuvers now, and this is so helpful. I’ve never seen them taught this way! Looking forward to your take on chandelles!

[@TheFinerPoints]

Awesome! This is how my old air force CFI (I wasn't in the service, he was) taught me to understand / perform them. It works! Chandelles may be next ...

[@Aaronautics95]

Wish I could've seen this before my CFI ride back in June! Very excellent.

[@andrewgodfrey1551]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Love that you give an easy-to-understand explanation and easy-to-do demonstration! I’m going for my Commercial checkride next week. Great video to cement in my brain

[@TheFinerPoints]

Good luck!

[@elsieparker8802]

Thanks so much for this! I just went up and nailed this maneuver on my second try! It was so satisfying I was literally laughing with delight as I leveled off. Thanks!!

[@nrnrnrnrn4527]

Totally understandable huh

[@gerryortiz7276]

I learned it this way as well also was taught to Imagine as if there is a sharpie on the edge of the spinner and paint the 8 in the sky will help as well visualizing your 45 in the sky as well as the ground

[@brianb5594]

Great technique Jason! Much easier than the way I was taught this maneuver decades ago. Will use with my Commercial students. Thanks!

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

Want flyin' zen? The first time doing 0Gs! By the 3rd time, you're one with the universe.

[@AV8R_Surge]

Never did lazy-8s and your explanation is easy to follow. Awesome

[@Xmaster_404]

Perfect, just the way that i need to be taught about this maneuver, I was struggling, no I feel more confident. Great job

[@kd7osk]

Fouled this maneuver up on my CFI check-ride yesterday. I'm going to try this technique this evening.

[@Blueskiesntailwinds]

I'm super excited to go up and nail this maneuver, after having seen this. This channel is one of my favorites!

[@led.santos]

That's perfect instructions!! I'm a CFI in Brazil, and also own an KZbin channel about flying lessons, and will use some of your information and beautiful way to teach with my students. Thanks a lot

[@eddapilot9546]

Thank you so much, because of this I passed my CFI ride, I can’t never thank you enough!

[@colinthepilot]

Dude! Mind blown! This was one of the hardest maneuvers during my commercial training, almost ten years ago. Now I'm training for my CFI, and this is one that I've been dreading doing with my instructor. I'm going to try this technique next week. Thanks!

[@TheFinerPoints]

Definitely try it this way, it will make it so much easier.

[@chrisbjohannsen]

Found your channel after watching Flight Chops do your mountain flying course, which looks awesome. I really like your instruction style, very down to earth. I'm gonna bookmark this for my commercial training along with the chandelles video. I've attempted both with an instructor and I really like the way you explained it on the ground first, makes so much more sense.

[@TheFinerPoints]

Thanks! glad you found me. Welcome to the channel :-)

[@malcolmsmart5214]

My compliments to you, you're a great instructor. I got my private in 1975 when I was 15 and was fortunate to have a good instructor who had me doing these maneuvers even though they weren't required for a private license. Even did spin training and all of this really helped build my confidence to take my check ride after 35 hours. I have several thousand hours now and still value what he taught me over 40 years ago.

[@TheFinerPoints]

Thank you! It's great to hear that from an experienced pilot

[@KonradT4]

Thank you so much, you have explained it very clearly. I just flew some lazy 8s following your advice. Now I understand how they are supposed to work it is so much easier. Yes, very Zen, relaxing. I’m flying a LiteFlite Dragonfly. In a lazy 8 it needs only light pressure from fingertips on the stick. The right hand turn is a little trickier. If I apply enough right rudder to centre the ball it tends to overbank. I need more practice.

[@jonathanknight89]

This is the absolutely best explanation I’ve ever seen.

[@mrkc10]

Great video. Just discovered your channel. The multiple camera angles makes understanding this maneuver that much easier. Nicely done sir.

[@nickieshadowfaxbrooklyn5192]

Awesome. And it’s great to see JP here as well. I’ll try lazy 8 definitely.

[@loveplanes]

Hey Jason. I usually don't make comments just when I saw something really stupid or something great. I wanted to thank you for this video. Literally you saved me money and thought me how to fly this maneuver. With no doubt, keeping your both, again both hands over your knees is a key factor here. Is easy to measure and handling the force you are applying on the yoke and controlling the whole maneuver. I practice this maneuver yesterday and I nailed it. Thanks again! Some ppl thinks that all is in the books but this kind of tips only comes from the experience. By the way, it works for the chandelles as well.

[@TheFinerPoints]

Awesome! I'm so glad you found the video and that it helped!

[@felipesanhueza5499]

Thanks!! I am from Chile and I just found your video in the right time!! Let's put this in practice tomorrow!! Excellent way to explain!

[@dustinbrooks8805]

Thanks for sharing! Just started commercial, will be practicing these later this week!

[@nrnrnrnrn4527]

Man I really appreciated you guys taking the time of sharing some of you knowledge ..this is extremely helpful to me I ve been struggling with this maneuver and this just clear my head on how actually execut it

[@TheFinerPoints]

Great to hear!

[@texasscout1]

Why didn’t I see this video first!? I am struggling with this maneuver I’ve been flying for a long time I am just over controlling, tomorrow morning I’m running out to the airport will pull out my Cherokee 180 and do exactly this way. Thank you so much

[@ArcticMayhem]

Very well explained. Good stuff. I'll have to give this a try when I start working on my commercial. I'd love to see how you teach the other commercial maneuvers too.

[@TheFinerPoints]

There may be a Chandelle video close behind

[@Featurisation]

Perfect explanation and description of the maneuver. This helped a lot! Thank you

[@goatflieg]

Thanks for this.. and the definitive difference between a lazy eight and a wingover. Always wondered about that.

[@peacefulrelaxation-hy6tb]

Best Video Ever on Lazy 8! I'm almost through my CFI course and I still reference this video. Thank you so much!

[@TheFinerPoints]

🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@hsilva92]

Great video man! Starting my commercial rating now and this was great information!

[@AAYGENTMULDER]

This is an excellent video! Lazy 8s make so much more sense now! THANK YOU!

[@earnedwings5206]

Awesome way you explained this. Thank you this was extremely helpful!👍

[@Ohgr819]

Dude! I've got my commercial checkride right after the new year. Gonna try this next time up. Thanks for this awesome explanation! I found it just in time :)

[@TheFinerPoints]

Bryan awesome! Good luck! 🍀👍

[@madisonromero3529]

This makes me happy. What a simple elegant maneuver!

[@michaelodriscoll9993]

I will be trying this technique next week. Thanks for the instructional video!!

[@tinothepilot]

Fantastic points of training. Just want to go out and do these, now.

[@jingsuo3927]

love your way of explaining, thank you for the great video , will try it today :)

[@lancedixon8487]

awesome, passed instrument last week, now on to commercial, your a big help

[@TheFinerPoints]

Happy to hear that! Good luck on your commercial

[@evelyns1741]

Great flight training! I wish you can make another video for steep spiral maneuver . Appreciate your help.

[@connorgibson3654]

this video is great!! it easly made lazy 8's from my worst manover to my best

[@theknifekid]

Great video. I fly out of KHWD and love seeing the east bay on this!

[@Emipaso]

I can see JP's work in this video, and it looks AWESOME. Great video again.

[@TheFinerPoints]

Yes, JP did the filming, he's quite good at that. The B roll was fun to edit. Now if I can find out where he gets his music :)

[@gemeen_aapje]

Beautiful scenery! Flying here in Holland is so mega flat. I miss the hills and coastline from Spain

[@heycameraman4411]

Yes! So educational and helpful now that I'm going through my commercial training. I can't wait to get this maneuver happening with my instructor this weekend. Thanks yet again for a great video. :-)

[@TheFinerPoints]

Let me know how it goes!

[@heycameraman4411]

The Finer Points Wilco

[@mikeryan2388]

@@heycameraman4411 if you can hear me say position and IDENT, over.

[@mikeryan2388]

​@@TheFinerPoints I think it might be time to call search & rescue given he is 3 years past his ETA.

[@joro18d93]

That is an awesome and easy way to master this maneuver. Awesome vid. Thank You.

[@pouyan225]

You're such an inspiring Instructor! Great material!

[@TheFinerPoints]

Thank you.

[@duchesspecson1379]

Man, thank u for this! helped me a lot with my controls

[@RJ1Reed]

Dude! That’s such good info I can’t wait to get back in the plane cuz my commercial check-ride is next Tuesday :)

[@TheFinerPoints]

Try it! 🙌🏻

[@benwu7]

Working on commercial on my bonanza. This is great explanation! Will try next time I practice.

[@GaryMCurran]

Great video. I would love to see you do a video on stall/spin. When I was learning, all those years ago, we did spin training in the 150, and I know of at least one case where it paid off for the student. They also are an easy maneuver to perform, and of course is easy on the airplane. In fact, I would love to see you do a breakdown of Bob Hoover's routine, at least the basic

[@TheFinerPoints]

I'd like to do that video. It's in the pipeline somewhere

[@jefar53]

Holy crap as a CFI myself you have taught me a better way to teach this maneuver thank you

[@juanbetancur1046]

Awesome video on lazy eights the best I seen

[@mesparza929]

Can’t wait to go up and try it!

[@scottwillson5562]

i've watched this probably 20 times and today it made sense to me. thank you.

[@TheFinerPoints]

haha -- Awesome! Thanks for hanging in there

[@3477dan]

Awesome, definitely one I needed.

[@antiNuetron]

I haven't done a Lazy 8 or a Chandelle since my commercial checkride in 1980. I think I'll go out and practise them.

[@TheFinerPoints]

Just added a "Common Errors on Lazy Eights" video to Patreon (www.patreon.com/learntfp ). If you are flying this and it's not going as smoothly as you see here, check out that video to make sure you're not making one of the common errors.

[@BichonPuppies1]

Excellent video on lazy eights! When do you stop pulling and start timing the release? immediately after the first pull at 5° bank, after the 45° reference point, or at the 90° reference?

[@brucewilbur2586]

Wonderful presentation of the maneuver!

[@TheFinerPoints]

Thank you!

[@WayneSA85]

Brilliant! Loved the lesson.

[@sailhavasu]

Love it. This is what I am A Patreon supporter for Jason! Great tips that I’m gonna go out and put to use. Question: I’m flying a Cherokee 235. Would I expect the same control input dynamics in my low wing? Thanks for a great post. Sean

[@TheFinerPoints]

Yes Sean, the same applies to the low with aircraft. Let us know how it goes!

[@jashpatel1477]

Best instructions on Lazy 8's! Thanks!

[@Aero360Aviation]

Very well and simply explained! I love how you refer to it as a Zen maneuver :-D

[@TheFinerPoints]

haha, I had to google Zen to make sure I wasn't mis using the term ... but I refer to it as that all the time. Be the plane.

[@Aero360Aviation]

I think it is a great way to describe it!

[@bill832]

Great lesson, many thanks!

[@deanadamedge]

I’m getting a LOT out of your videos! Many thanks…