In properly coordinated eights-on-pylons, what does it imply if the reference point is behind the pylon?

When the reference point is behind the pylon in a properly coordinated eights-on-pylons maneuver, it indicates that the airplane is above the pivotal altitude. This is because, in an eights-on-pylons maneuver, the pivotal altitude is determined by the point around which the airplane's flight path is being coordinated. If the reference point appears to be behind the pylon, it suggests that the airplane is climbing above that pivot point, resulting in a perception of the pylon shifting to the front of the aircraft’s trajectory.

In this context, understanding the pivotal altitude is crucial. The pivotal altitude is the height at which an aircraft can fly a circular path around a fixed point on the ground without the apparent movement of the reference point relative to the pilot's viewpoint. If the airplane is below this altitude, the reference point would appear to move ahead of the pylon due to the need for a steeper bank angle or a tighter turn, which is not the case here when the reference point is behind. Thus, recognizing the relationship between bank angle, altitude, and pivot point positioning is essential in executing and analyzing the maneuver.