Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What does the term "Lazy 8" refer to in flight training?

1. A series of rapid climbs and descents

2. Two 180-degree turns in opposite directions with a climb and descent

3. A series of stalls

4. A maneuver focused solely on airspeed management

The correct answer is: Two 180-degree turns in opposite directions with a climb and descent

The term "Lazy 8" refers specifically to the maneuver involving two 180-degree turns in opposite directions, complemented by a climb and descent. This maneuver is utilized in flight training to help pilots develop a variety of essential skills, including coordination, proper use of ailerons, elevators, and rudder, as well as understanding the aircraft's response to controls in different phases of flight. During the Lazy 8, the pilot simulates an oval flight path that ensures that the airplane experiences different attitudes and airspeeds throughout the maneuver. The requirement to perform turns in opposite directions teaches pilots to maintain situational awareness and balance the aircraft while managing its energy state. This combination of climb and descent coupled with the turns not only provides a practical exercise in coordinating multiple maneuvers but also reinforces important concepts of altitude management and smooth control inputs. The other options refer to different flying techniques that do not encapsulate the essence of the Lazy 8 maneuver. The Lazy 8 focuses on the fluid transitions between the climb and descent with directional changes, which is central to its purpose in flight training.