What skill does the lazy eight maneuver primarily develop?

The lazy eight maneuver primarily develops the coordination of flight controls across varying airspeeds. This maneuver requires the pilot to smoothly transition through a series of banks and climbs while varying the aircraft's pitch and roll. As the pilot performs the lazy eight, they must constantly adjust their inputs to maintain coordination and control under changing aerodynamic conditions.

During the maneuver, the pilot experiences different forces and attitudes as they navigate through the figure-eight path. This necessitates understanding how the aircraft responds to inputs at different speeds and configurations, which enhances overall control and coordination skills. The challenge lies in managing the delicate balance between the ailerons, rudder, and elevator as the aircraft transitions through different states of flight, ultimately improving the pilot's ability to handle the aircraft in various flying conditions.