Definition

1. Noun:

   • A flight maneuver: A specific aerobatic or tactical flying maneuver where an aircraft makes a steep, climbing turn. The primary purpose is to gain altitude while simultaneously changing direction.

2. Verb:

   • To execute such a maneuver: To cause an aircraft to climb suddenly and steeply in a turning motion.

Usage Examples

• Noun: The pilot performed a perfect chandelle to avoid the mountain ridge. Learning the chandelle is a key part of advanced flight training.

• Verb: The fighter jet chandelled sharply to engage the enemy from above. He chandelled the small plane to gain a better vantage point.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively in aviation contexts, particularly in descriptions of aerobatics, military tactics, or pilot training.
• It describes a controlled, energy-managing maneuver, not merely a steep climb.

Variants and Related Words

• Immelmann turn: Another aerobatic maneuver involving a half-loop and a roll, sometimes confused with or compared to a chandelle.
• Wingover: A related flight maneuver involving a steep climb, a turn, and a descent.

Synonyms

• Noun: Climbing turn, steep turn.
• Verb: Bank and climb, turn-climb.

Notes

• The word originates from the French word for "candle," likely evoking the image of a steep, spiraling ascent.
• As a verb, it is a regular verb (chandelle, chandelled, chandelling).

Noun

1. a flight maneuver consisting of a steep climbing turn executed to gain altitude while changing direction

Verb

1. climb suddenly and steeply
   • The airplane chandelled