Aerobatics
Familiarization
SQUIRREL CAGE
The squirrel cage consists of a coordinated series of overhead maneuvers flown in the specific sequence
of the loop, half Cuban eight, Immelmann, and split-S without pausing between each maneuver. Caution
must be taken throughout this series to stay above 10,000 ft AGL (Figure 16).
3. HALF
5. SPLIT-S
2. LOOP
4. IMMELMANN
CUBAN EIGHT
6. FINISH
1. START
Figure 16: SQUIRREL CAGE
Procedures
Complete the prestall and aerobatic checklist prior to performing the squirrel cage. Begin the maneuver at
380 KIAS, on altitude, and lined up on a prominent terrain feature or section line. Start with a loop at
approximately 12,000 ft AGL. As you’re descending through the backside of the loop, allow the aircraft to
accelerate to 380 KIAS and then from a level attitude begin a half Cuban eight. As you exit the half Cuban
eight, increase your speed to 380 KIAS and, from a level attitude, execute an Immelmann turn. Finally,
reduce the power to IDLE and execute a split-S.
Techniques
Pay particular attention to airspeed and altitude during the squirrel cage and, because of the duration of
this maneuver, maintain an especially good lookout doctrine.
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