• Before introducing this maneuver, instructor should ensure that the student has the ability to make a coordinated turn without gain or loss of altitude, excellent feel of the airplane, stall recognition, relaxation with low altitude maneuvering, and an absence of the error of over concentration.
• Review pivotal altitude (TAS² / 11.3 = Pivotal Altitude)
• Student should not use rudder pressure to keep the pylon along line-of-sight

During Flight:

• Instructor can demonstrate pivotal altitude by flying circles from an altitude well above pivotal altitude and descending to an altitude well below pivotal while the student observes the results in the apparent motion of reference points
  • Altitude at which line of sight apparently stops moving forward or backward in relation to ground is pivotal altitude
• Before the maneuver, the student should select a sighting reference line that, from eye level, parallels the lateral axis of the airplane
• Student will select two prominent points to serve as the pylons lying in line on the ground perpendicular to the wind direction
  • The pylons should be at the same elevation
• The student will begin by flying diagonally crosswind between the pylons to a point downwind from the first pylon so that the first turn can be made into the wind (first turn left)
• As aircraft approaches point where line-of-sight is just behind pylon, the student will begin the turn by lowering upwind wing
• The student will maintain the pylon along his line-of-sight by descending slightly if the pylon begins to move forward, and climbing slightly if the pylon begins to move aft
• The student will continue the turn until on a 45° for a turn around the second pylon
• As the aircraft approaches point where line-of-sight on opposite wing is just behind pylon, the student will begin the second turn in the opposite direction
• Student will fly around the second pylon in the same manner as the first and exit the maneuver on the same heading as entered

See AFH Figure 6-13