SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-chandelle-how-judged

A chandelle is mainly judged on which of these?

Your proficiency and skill, not just how much altitude you gain.

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  1. The total altitude gained
  2. How fast it was completed
  3. Pilot skill in maximizing climb for the bank and power ✔

Why: A chandelle is a maximum performance 180 degree climbing turn. The goal is the most altitude for the bank and power chosen, but the FAA judges your proficiency and skill, not the raw altitude number.

Huh, didn't know that: The smoothest pull-up with a moderate load factor gives the greatest altitude gain in a chandelle.

The dad joke
Why was the chandelle graded on skill? Because height is only a number, but style is an art.
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References

Answer: Pilot skill in maximizing climb for the bank and power. A chandelle is a maximum performance 180 degree climbing turn. The goal is the most altitude for the bank and power chosen, but the FAA judges your proficiency and skill, not the raw altitude number.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 10, Performance Maneuvers (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/11_afh_ch10.pdf
    the standard used to judge the maneuver is not the amount of altitude gained
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 10, Performance Maneuvers (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/11_afh_ch10.pdf
    maximizing climb performance for the power and bank selected
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. PHAK ch 5, Aerodynamics of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    delivers the greatest gain in altitude
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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