With 8's on Pylons, which is what I presume you are referring to I have a
few things to offer:

Make sure you are at the correct piviotal altitude which if you'll recall
from your study is a function of groundspeed. Remember: Piviotal Altitude
= groundspeed (squared) divided by 11.3 (for a groundspeed that is in
knots). This will give you the AGL piviotal altitude. Remember that
piviotal altitude is a function of groundspeed and if groundspeed increases
or decreases that piviotal altitude is affected as well.

First of all your reference line should lead from the pilot's eye to form a
line that is parallel with the wing, you should not be using the wingtip
(for a number of reasons).

If your pylon moves from your reference point, simply move the yoke in the
direction the pylon is moving. If it is moving forward, move the yoke
forward,,, if it is moving backwards,, move the yoke back. The most
important point to remember is that once the pylon is in line with your
reference point/line be sure to neutralize the yoke/stick input or you will
end up chasing the pylon in the opposite direction.

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=-----
Good Flights!

Cecil E. Chapman
CP-ASEL-IA

Student - C.F.I.

Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -

"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -
"gatt" wrote in message
...

Hey, all, I'm having a problem.

Before the winter weather grounded me for a couple of months, I was
nailing Pylon 8s (for the commercial test) almost from the moment they
were demonstrated to me.

Now I've got everything else down, but the easiest *$@#^&! manuever of
them all for me is suddenly giving me trouble. Now, all of a sudden, I
can't seem to keep my turn radii rational. Ie, I used to have no problem
keeping the reference point at its place on the wingtip but now my turns
are wide and I keep having to correct.

I've tried shortening the distance between reference points, reducing
power slightly and adjusting my altitude, but what I really want to know
is what exacty I'm doing wrong all of a sudden. My instructor,
unfortunately, isn't around this week and I won't be able to consult him
before my next practice flight.

Any tips?

-c