SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-pylons-too-high-rearward

During eights on pylons, the line of sight appears to slide rearward past the pylon. Where is the airplane?

Above pivotal altitude, so descend.

Start playing free

  1. Above the pivotal altitude ✔
  2. Below the pivotal altitude
  3. Exactly at the pivotal altitude

Why: Above the pivotal altitude the sight line to the pylon moves rearward. Below it, the line moves forward. When the line stays put on the pylon, you are right on the pivotal altitude.

Huh, didn't know that: To see the effect, the AFH has you fly a medium-banked turn below pivotal altitude, then climb well above it and compare.

The dad joke
Why do people who are bad at bowling make the best pilots? Because they never hit anything.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Above the pivotal altitude. Above the pivotal altitude the sight line to the pylon moves rearward. Below it, the line moves forward. When the line stays put on the pylon, you are right on the pivotal altitude.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 7, Ground Reference Maneuvers (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/08_afh_ch7.pdf
    At any altitude above that pivotal altitude, the projected reference line appears to move rearward in a circular path in relation to the pylon.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingIn eights on pylons, what determines the pivotal altitude?FlyingIn eights on pylons, the ACS says the bank must not exceed how many degrees?FlyingWhat can a commercial pilot do that a private pilot generally cannot?

That's stuff everyone should know.