different understanding
i think, maximum performance maneuver doesn´t mean any specific or defined limits. it means to get the maximum output from the situation you are in without exceeding the A/C limits.
The Chandelle, as far as i am concerned, evolved from the early, early fighter days when a plane had two wings on top of each other (Biplane) or maybe even 3. There all where underpowered, not capable of sustained inverted flight, had a lot of drag, and were certainly no speed queens to play with kinetic energy out of level flight.
The chandelle´s aim is to end up on opposite direction with minimum lateral room used (turning radius) and maximum altitude gained, without breaking the aircraft or falling out of the sky (stall).
The pilots used it when a opponent was turning in on them from above and behind, gaining speed and energy. It was an evasive maneuver to keep the other guy insight, change your kinetic energy (speed) in potential energy (altitude), let the opponent pass below, and in opposite direction to you, wing over to get behind him…….he would probably do the same.....then you would do it again,......and again…….and there you have early days dogfight.
What i am trying to say is that it is a "seat of your pants" maneuver and you may start it out of any airspeed you want! Just get maximum performance out of the aircraft in the current situation without exceeding its limits.
Of Course, the FAA, EASA, whoever,...ACS....DPE.....have to declare limits of the maneuver to be able to judge it. The limits probably are caused by the definition of aerobatic flights, which are 60 degree of bank and 30 degree of pitch, if i remember correctly. Which, in a commercial checkride, are most probably not to be exceeded.
Therefore, i think the best thing is to talk to your examiner before the checkride what he wants., like a couple of guys already suggested.
If i introduce the Chandelle to a student, it is easier to give him those key-figures in the beginning as well, not to overload him/her right from the start.
But it is, and in my opinion will always remain, a "seat of your pants" maneuver.
Box Canyon food for thought.
How much bank and pitch are used depends on the entry parameters.
If you are fast enough (RV´s usually are in cruise flight), and you notice early enough that you have to turn around, the minimum turning radius will be an half loop, half roll (Immelmann) or a half cuban eight.
If you notice to late and no more have the energy in the plane for a Immelmann or half cuban eight, then you want MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE out of your situation and do a chandelle. And just there, there is no declared FAA, EASA, ACS, DPE,POH speed you have to have when you enter. There is no maximum bank or pitch angle not to exceed (or minimum you have to have).
There is you, and you have to make it out alive without stalling the aircraft or breaking it apart.
And the "seat of your pants" / feeling will get you out of there, nothing else.
So far to my understanding of max performance.