Definition
A maximum-performance climbing turn of 180 degrees in which the aircraft is rolled and pitched up smoothly so that, at the completion of the maneuver, it is at minimum controllable airspeed flying in the opposite direction with maximum altitude gained for the bank and power used. Chandelles are a commercial-pilot training maneuver designed to develop coordination, planning, and precise control of the aircraft at varying airspeeds and attitudes.
Plain English
A training maneuver where the pilot makes a steady climbing 180-degree turn, gradually trading speed for height, ending up flying the opposite direction at the slowest speed they can still safely control the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight training when practicing advanced airplane control, especially climbing turns, coordination, and energy management.
Derivation
From the French word chandelle, meaning 'candle.' Early aviators used the term because the aircraft appears to climb upward like a candle standing tall, while turning to reverse direction.
Why Pilots Care
Develops precise control of bank, pitch, and airspeed while managing energy during climbs and turns.
Intuition Check
A chandelle is not just any climbing turn. It is a planned training maneuver with a 180-degree turn, a climb, and a controlled slow finish.
Example Sentence 1
During his commercial training, he practiced chandelles to the left and right until he could consistently roll out heading the opposite direction at minimum controllable airspeed.
Example Sentence 2
Chandelles are practiced to improve coordination and energy management before the commercial checkride.