Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

During a Lazy 8 maneuver, which bank angle is typically used at the 90-degree point?

1. 15 degrees

2. 30 degrees

3. 45 degrees

4. 60 degrees

The correct answer is: 30 degrees

In a Lazy 8 maneuver, the pilot typically establishes a bank angle of about 30 degrees at the 90-degree point. This bank angle is crucial for maintaining an effective balance between the various phases of the maneuver, which includes both climbing and descending segments, while also ensuring that the aircraft maintains coordinated flight throughout the turn. The 30-degree bank allows for a smooth transition between the vertical components of the maneuver, ensuring that the aircraft can maintain a controlled and stable flight path. This angle is considered optimal because it provides sufficient lift and a good rate of turn, allowing the pilot to manage airspeed and altitude effectively. Utilizing a different bank angle, such as 15 degrees, would likely result in a less dynamic maneuver, not achieving the desired oval-like path of the Lazy 8. A bank angle of 45 degrees or 60 degrees could produce excessive load factors and potentially lead to overbanking, undermining the safety and control of the aircraft during this maneuver.