Aerobatics
Familiarization
Techniques
Going slow over the top results from failing to maintain the 4-g pull and optimum AOA during the first half
of the loop. Because of your decreasing airspeed in the climb, you must continuously increase back stick
pressure to maintain the 4 g or optimum AOA. Not being aligned with the section line going over the top of
the loop results from not maintaining a wings level pullup. Maintain your wing attitude in relation to the
section lines throughout the loop and immediately correct for any wing drop.
HALF CUBAN EIGHT
Initiated and ended at the same altitude, the half Cuban eight is a reversal of direction in the vertical plane
and can be used as a standard weapons delivery maneuver. Enter the maneuver as you would a loop,
but, instead of completing the loop, roll the aircraft to wings level when you are 45 degrees nose down,
inverted. Continue the 45-degree nosedown descent to the original altitude but on the opposite heading
(Figure 13).
Figure 13: HALF CUBAN EIGHT
Procedures
Complete the prestall and aerobatic checklist prior to performing the half Cuban eight. Begin the
maneuver at 380 KIAS, on altitude, and lined up on a prominent terrain feature or section line. Advance
the power to approximately 96% rpm and expeditiously initiate a smooth wings level pullup to 4 g’s.
Increase back stick pressure to maintain the 4-g pull as airspeed decreases. To maintain wings level
attitude during the first half of the maneuver, scan the section line on both sides of your aircraft after the
horizon disappears under the nose.
Continue to maintain the 4-g pull until reaching the optimum AOA (17 units) and maintain optimum AOA
over the top. Going over the top, verify that your wings are level, that airspeed is 150 KIAS, and that your
aircraft is at optimum AOA.
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