6.25. Chandelle (Figure 6.12).

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6.25.1. Objective. Gain maximum altitude during a 180-degree turn.

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6.25.2. Description. The Chandelle is a precision, constant bank 180-degree steep climbing turn that achieves a maximum gain of altitude for a given power setting. The maneuver is complete after 180 degrees of turn.

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6.25.2.1. Airspeed – 200-250 KIAS.

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6.25.2.2. Power – MAX.

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6.25.2.3. Attitude – Entry: wings level, 15 degrees nose low. Exit: wings level, 45 degrees nose high.

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6.25.2.4. Altitude – Approximately 3,000 feet above entry altitude.

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6.25.2.5. FCP visual reference:

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6.25.2.5.1. Bottom edge of canopy bow on the horizon at entry.

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6.25.2.5.2. Feet on horizon (45 degrees nose high) at exit.

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6.25.3. Procedure.

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6.25.3.1. Begin wings level, 15 degrees nose low with briefed power setting but below briefed entry airspeed. When airspeed reaches briefed entry airspeed, blend rudder, aileron, and elevator pressure simultaneously to begin a climbing turn, applying approximately 3 Gs. Increase bank to 60 degrees and keep the nose track rising at a uniform rate. The nose should describe a straight line diagonal to the horizon. The nose should pass through the horizon at approximately 60 degrees bank with 30-45 degrees of turn complete. Check the amount of turn by using outside references. Once the nose is above the horizon, changes in pitch angle, airspeed, and the vertical component of lift require constant changes in control pressures and considerably more back stick pressure is required to keep the nose rising at a uniform rate. Aileron and/or rudder pressure opposite the direction of turn will be required to prevent overbanking. At the 135-degree point in the turn, start the rollout but keep the nose rising. Monitor the amount of turn remaining before reaching the 180-degree point by checking outside references. Time the rollout so the wings become level as the nose reaches the highest pitch attitude (approximately 40-45 degrees) at the 180-degree point. When the maneuver is complete (180 degrees of turn), lower the nose to the horizon or perform a nose-high recovery.

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6.25.3.2. If the rate of climb is too fast, and the aircraft approaches stall before turning 180 degrees discontinue the maneuver by performing a nose-high recovery. If the rate of pitch change is too slow, the 180-degree point may be reached before the maximum pitch attitude is attained. When starting the maneuver, the rate of roll-in is faster than the rate of pull-up (60 degrees bank change, 15 degrees pitch change).

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6.25.4. Technique. Use perpendicular and parallel roads or section lines visually to monitor progress of turns. Inside the cockpit, the heading bug can be a good cross-check tool in addition to cross-checking bank and pitch on the main attitude indicator. Outside the cockpit, pick a reference point and place it 90 degrees off either shoulder. Begin a turn away from the reference point. Once the reference point becomes visible again off the other shoulder, you will have completed approximately 135 degrees of turn, prompting the rollout to achieve 180 degrees of turn. Visualizing the Chandelle as similar to climbing a spiral staircase can help with maneuver execution.

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