FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsHard
According to the Commercial Pilot ACS, maneuvers such as chandelles, lazy eights, and steep spirals must not be conducted below an altitude of:
- A2,000 feet AGL
- B500 feet AGL
- C1,000 feet AGL
- D1,500 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 1,500 feet AGL
The Commercial Pilot ACS specifies a minimum altitude of 1,500 feet AGL for performance and ground reference maneuvers such as chandelles, lazy eights, and steep spirals, ensuring adequate margin for recovery and terrain/obstacle clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 2,000 feet AGL exceeds the stated minimum, though flying higher is not prohibited.
- B. 500 feet AGL is far too low and would violate ACS altitude standards.
- C. 1,000 feet AGL is below the required minimum specified in the ACS.
Minimum Maneuvering Altitude (Commercial ACS)
The Commercial Pilot ACS requires performance maneuvers like chandelles, lazy eights, and steep spirals to be conducted no lower than 1,500 feet AGL.
- Applies to chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals
- Ensures margin for recovery and terrain clearance
- Distinct from the general 91.119 minimum safe altitude rule
- Applicant must maintain awareness of altitude throughout maneuver
Memory trick: 'Fifteen hundred keeps you safe and steady' for chandelles, lazy eights, and spirals.