Lazy 8's - Comm rating

[Timebuilder]

I couldn't help but notice that with all the good advise on laaaaazy 8s, no one offered their opinion on what a lazy 8 has to do with flying passengers for hire. Why is this maneuver in the PTS for commercial in the first place? Is this another case of the FAA being years behind the leading edge? Where did this maneuver originate anyway?

While we're on the subject, I've been taught to keep descent rates to <500 FPM and to plan the descent accordingly. The reason I got from a CFI is that it's easier on the passengers. Now, with that in mind, where do 55° banks fit in? It's not being easy on passengers for sure.

I was the guy in calculus class asking "When will I ever use this?"

It's funny you mention this Jerry, because I was thinking about this since I first saw this thread today.

The FAA had to find something by which a pilot can safely demonstrate his mastery of the aircraft for the initial recognition of his ability to fly for hire. A certain amount of instruction, money, and practice is necessary for the jump from private to commercial, and demonstates a commitment as well as a level of skill. Maybe this helps to keep the "posers" out of commercial flying.