RE: Difficulties with figure eights - need tips please!!
It's just a matter of practice and learning to time when to start the turns (field placement). Yep, a bit more power will probably help an the altitude unless the problem is that you are trying to keep the loops (circles) too small and having to over-bank the plane. Enlarge the pattern a bit if you don't want to add power. If the plane will climb gently (or better) from level flight you have enough power.