Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What should a pilot do before starting a Lazy 8 maneuver?

1. Request clearance from air traffic control

2. Perform clearing turns

3. Balance weight in the aircraft

4. Take off from a runway

The correct answer is: Perform clearing turns

Before starting a Lazy 8 maneuver, performing clearing turns is essential for safety. The primary purpose of clearing turns is to ensure that the area around the aircraft is free of other traffic and obstacles. This is particularly important in maneuvers like the Lazy 8, which involves changes in flight path and altitude, potentially affecting other aircraft in the vicinity. Clearing turns allow a pilot to visually check for other aircraft and potential hazards in the immediate airspace, ensuring a safe environment for performing the maneuver. This step is fundamental in maintaining good situational awareness and upholding aviation safety practices. While requesting clearance from air traffic control can be important, it is not specifically necessary for the Lazy 8 maneuver unless in controlled airspace that requires it, and balancing weight can be important for overall aircraft stability but is not a prerequisite for this specific maneuver. Taking off from a runway does not apply, as the maneuver can be executed in flight after reaching the appropriate altitude and conditions.