ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cuban Eight

A Cuban eight is a type of aerobatic maneuver that an airplane pilot can do in the sky. It's called a Cuban eight because it looks like a figure eight, which is a shape that looks like two circles stacked on top of each other.

To do this maneuver, the pilot starts by flying straight and level. Then, they use the plane's controls to pull the nose of the plane up until it reaches a 45-degree angle. This is called a half loop.

Once the plane has reached the top of the half loop, the pilot pushes the nose of the plane down to point it towards the ground. Then, they use the plane's controls to do a half roll, which means that the plane turns over onto its side while still pointed downwards.

Next, the pilot pulls the nose of the plane up again so that it's flying upwards again at a 45-degree angle. This is the second half of the figure eight shape.

Finally, the pilot levels out the plane so that it's flying straight and level once again. The whole maneuver only takes a few seconds to do, but it looks really cool from the ground.

The Cuban eight is a popular trick that many aerobatic pilots like to do because it's challenging and impressive to watch. However, it's important to remember that this is a very advanced maneuver that should only be attempted by experienced pilots who have practiced it many times before.