ED 083 462

TITLE

INSTITUTION

PUB DATENOTEAVAILABLE FROM

DOCUMENT RESUME

CE 000 487

Private and Commercial Pilot: Glider. Flight TestGuide, Part 61 Revised, AC 61-61.Federal Aviation Agency (DOT), Washington, D.C.Flight Standards Service.7336p.Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, DC 20402 (Stock Number5011-00068, $0.50)

EDRS PRICE MF-$0.65 HC-$3.29DESCRIPTORS Aircraft Pilots; *Certification; Equipment; *Flight

Training; *Guides; Standard, s; *TestsIDENTIFIERS *Glider Pilot

ABSTRACTThis flight test guide assists the applicant and his

.instructor in preparing for the Private or Commercial PilotCertificate with Glider Rating under Part 61 trevised) of FederalAviation Regulations. It contains information and guidance concerningthe pilot operations, procedures, and maneuvers relevant to theflight test required for that certificate. Preflight operations,glider launches, precision maneuvering, critical performance speeds,flight at critically slow airspeeds, and accuracy approaches andlandings both for the private and the commercial pilot are covered. Asuggested flight test check list is included. (KP)

AC 61-61

coFLIGHT TEST GUIDE

[Part 61 Revised]

PRIVATE and

COMMERCIAL PILOT

Glider

1973U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,

EDUCATION & WELFARENATIONAL INSTITUTE OF

EDUCATIONTHISTHIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO

11:110

DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROMTHE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIGINSTING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS

S**STATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OFEDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

CZ Flight Standards Serviceiv

FILMED FROM BEST AVAILABLE COPY

AC 61-61

FLIGHT TEST GUIDE

[Part 61 Revised]

PRIVATE and

COMMERCIAL PILOT

Glider

1973

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Flight Standards Service

PREFACE

Part 61 (revised) of Federal AviationRegulations, effective November 1, 1973, es-tablishes a nay concept of pilot training andcertification requirements. To provide atransition to these revised requirements, Part61 (revised) permits the applicant, for aperiod of 1 year after the effective date, tomeet either the previous requirements orthose contained in the revised Part. AC61-39A, Private and Commercial Glider PilotFlight Test Guide, dated 1970, outlines theprevious requirements.

This flight test guide, AC 61-61, has beenprepared by Flight Standards Service of theFederal Aviation Administration to assist theapplicant and his instructor in preparing forthe flight test for the Private and the Com-mercial Pilot Certificate with Glider Ratingunder Part 61 (revised). It contains infor-mation and guidance concerning the pilotoperations, procedures, and maneuvers rele-vant to the flight test required for that certifi-cate. A suggested flight test checklist is in-cluded for the convenience of those who mayfind such a checklist useful.

In addition to providing help to the appli-cant and his instructor, this guide will be

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useful to FAA Inspectors and designated pilotexaminers in the conduct and standardizationof flight tests. Persons using this guide inconnection with private and commercial pilottraining and flight tests should also refer tothe applicable Federal Aviation Regulations;Airman's Information Manual; Flight Train-ing Handbook, AC 61-21; American SoaringHandbook; Joy of Soaring Manual; and per-tinent advisory circulars.

Comments regarding this guide may be di-rected to Department of Transportation,Federal Aviation Admii:istration, FlightStandards Technical Division, P.O. Box25082, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125.

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CONTENTSPage

Preface iii

Applicant's Flight Test Checklist ix

General Information 1

PRIVATE PILOT OPERATIONS

I. PREFLIGHT OPERATIONSA. Documents and Records 7

B. Weight and Balance 8

C. Weather Information 8D. Line Inspection 8

II. GLIDER LAUNCHESA. Ground Tow (automobile or

winch) 9

B. Aero Tow 10

HI. PRECISION MANEUVERING

A. Steep Turns 11

B. Spirals 11

IV. CRITICAL PERFORMANCESPEEDS

A. Best Glide Speed 12

B. Minimum Sink Speed 12

C. Maximum Speeds 13D. Speed-To-Fly 13

PageV. FLIGHT AT CRITICALLY

SLOW AIRSPEEDSA. Maneuvering at Minimum

Control Speed. 14B. Imminent Stalls 14

C. Full Stalls 15

VI. ACCURACY APPROACHESAND LANDINGS

A. Normal and Crosswind Land-ings 16

B. Downwind Landings 16

C. Simulated Off-Field Landings _ 17

COMMERCIAL PILOT OPERATIONS

I. PREFLIGHT DUTIESA. Weather Information 19

B. Documents and Records 20C. Glider Assembly 90D. Preflight Inspection 21

E. Weight and Balance 21

F. Inspection of Launch Equip-ment 21

II. GLIDER LAUNCHESA. Ground Tow (automobile or

winch) 22B. Aero Tow 23

III. PRECISION MANEUVERINGA. Straight Glides 24B. Turns to Headings 24

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Page

C. Steep Turns 25-D. Spirals 25

IV. PERFORMANCE SPEEDS ANDFLIGHT AT CRITICALLYSLOW AIRSPEEDS

A. Performance Speeds 26B. Flight at Minimum Control

Speed 26C. Stalls 27

V. ACCURACY APPROACHESAND LANDINGS

A. Normal and Crosswind Land-ings 27

B. Downwind LandingsC. Simulated Off-Field Landings _. 28

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APPLICANT'S FLIGHT TEST CHECKLIST(Suggested)

APPOINTMENT WITH INSPECTOROR EXAMINER: Name

Time/Date

ACCEPTABLE GLIDERAircraft Documents:

Airworthiness CertificateRegistration Certificate"Operating Limitations

LI Aircraft Maintenance Records:Airworthiness Inspections

FCC Station License (if applicable)

PERSONAL RECORDSPilot CertificateMedical StatementSigned RecommendationWritten Test ResultsLogbook

Notice of Disapproval (if ap-plicable)

Approved School Graduation Cer-tificate (if applicable)

FCC Radiotelephone Operator Per-mit (if applicable)

Examiner's Fee (if applicable)

ix

GENERAL INFORMATION

PILOT TRAINING ANDCERTIFICATION CONCEPT

Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulationshas been revised and upgraded to reflect thecomplexity of the modern aircraft as ell asits operating environment. In the past, air-man certification requirements could be metby training a student to pass a written testand then to demonstrate his ability to performpredetermined flight training maneuvers .clurbig a flight test.: Rather than merely dupli-catir.g on the flight test the maneuvers usedfor training, the new training and certificationconcept requires that the applicant receiveinstruction in and demonstrate his compe-tency in all pilot operations listed in pertinentsections Of Part 61 (revised). A pilot opera-tion, as used herein, is a group of relatedprocedures and maneuvers involving skills

and knowledge required to safely and efficiently function as a pilot. The specificprocedures and maneuvers used to teach thepilot operations are not listed in Part 61(revised). Instead, the instructor is per.

mitted to select procedures and maneuversfrom FAA approved training publicationspertinent to the certificate or rating sought,

The instructor indicates by logbook endorse.ment that the applicant has demonstratedcompetency in all the required pilot opera-tions and considers him qualified to pass theflight test. On the flight test, the examinee-selects the procedures and maneuvers to beperformed by the applicant to show compe-tency in each required pilot operation.

The procedures and maneuvers appropriateto the Private and Commercial Pilot Certifi-cate with a Glider Rating are contained in theAmerican Soaring Handbook or Joy of Soar-ing Training Manual.

USE OF THIS GUIDE

The pilot operations in this flight test guide,indicated by Roman numerals, are requiredby § 61.107(d) and § 61.127(d) of Part 61(revised). This guide is intended only tooutline appropriate pilot operations and theminimum standards for the performance ofeach procedure or maneuver which will beaccepted by the examiner as eidence of thepilot's competency. It is not intended thatthe applicant be tested on every procedureor maneuver within each pilot operation, butonly those considered necessary by the exam-iner to determine competency in each pilotoperation.

The word "examiner" is used hereafter in thisguide to denote either the Federal Aviation Admin-istration Inspector or designated pilot examiner whoel:inducts an official flight test.

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When, in the judgment of the examiner,certain demonstrations are impractical, com-petency may be determined by oral testing.

This guide contains an Objective for eachrequired pilot operation. Under each pilotoperation, pertinent procedures or maneuv-ers are listed with Descriptions and Accept-able Performance Guidelines.

1. The Objective states briefly the pur-pose of each pilot operation required onthe flight test.

2. The Description provides informationon what may be asked of the applicant re-garding the selected procedure or ma-neuver. The procedures or maneuverslisted have been found most effective indemonstrating the objective of that par-ticular pilot operation.

3. The Acceptable Performance Guide-lines include the factors which will betaken into account by the examiner indeciding whether the applicant has matthe objectives of the pilot operation.The airspeed, altitude, and heading tol-erances given represent the minimumperformance expected in good flyingconditions. However, consistently ex-

ceeding these tolerances before correctiveaction is initiated is indicative of anunsatisfactory performance. Any proce-dure or action, or the lack thereof, re-quiring the intervention of the examiner

3

to maintain safe flight will be disquali-fying. Failure to exercise proper vig-ilance or to take positive action to ensurethat the flight area has been adequatelycleared for conflicting traffic will also bedisqualifying.

Emphasis will be placed on procedures,knowledge, and maneuvers most critical to asafe, performance as a pilot. The demonstra-tion of prompt stall recognition, adequatecontrol, and recovery techniques will receivespecial attention. Other areas of importanceinclude spatial disorientation, collision avoid.ante, and wake turbulence hazards.

The applicant will be expected to know themeaning and significance of the glider per-formance speeds important to the pilot andbe able to readily find these speeds for theglider used for the flight test.

GENERAL PROCEDURES FORFLIGHT TUTS

The a'r;lity of an applicant for a private orcommercial pilot certificate, with a gliderrating on that certificate, to perform the re-quired pilot operations is based on the fol-lowing:

1. Executing procedures and maneuverswithin the aircraft's performance capa-bilities and limitations.

2. Executing emergency procedures andmaneuvers appropriate to the aircraft.

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3. Piloting the aircraft with smoothnessand accuracy.

4. Exercising judgment.5. Applying his aeronautical knowledge.6. Showing than he is the master of theaircraft, with the successful outcome ofa procedure or maneuver never seriouslyin doubt.

If the applicant fails any of the requiredpilot operations, he fails the flight test. Theexaminer or the applicant may discontinuethe test at any time when the failure of arequired pilot operation makes the applicantineligible for the certificate or rating sought.If the test is discontinued, the applicant isentitled to credit for only those entire pilotoperations that lie has successfully performed.

FLIGHT TEST PREREQUISITES

An applicani. for the private or commercialglider pilot flight test is required by revised

61.39 of the Federal Aviation Regulationsto have: (I) passed the appropriate privateor commercial glider pilot written test within24 months before the date he takes the flighttest, (2) the applicable instruction and aero-nautical experience prescribed for a privateor commercial glider pilot certificate, (3) awritten statement certifying that he has noknown medical defect that makes him unableto pilot a glider, (4) reached at least 16years of age for a private pilot certificate and

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18 years of age for a commercial pilot cer-tificate, and (5) a written statement from anappropriately certificated flight instructor cer-tifying that he has given the applicant flightinstruction in preparation for the flight testwithin 60 days preceding the date of appli-cation and finds him competent to pass thetest and to have a satisfactory knowledge ofthe subject areas in which he is shown to bedeficient by hit airman written test report.

GLIDER AND EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS FOR FLIGHT TEST

The applicant is required by revised § 61.45to provide an airworthy glider for the flighttest. This glider must be capable of, and itsoperating limitations must not prohibit, thepilot operations required in the test. Thefollowing equipment is relevant to the pilotoperations required by Part 61 (revised).

1. Flight controls that are easily reachedand operated in a normal manner byboth pilots.

2. Operating instructions and limitations.The applicant should have an appropriatechecklist, an Owner's Manual/Handbook,or, if required for the slider used, anFAA approved Glider Flight Manual.Any operating limitations or other pub-lished recommendations of the manu-facturer that are applicable to the specificglider be observed.

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PRIVATE PILOT OPERATIONS

Procedures/Maneuvers

I. PREFLIGHT OPERATIONS

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can ensure

that he meets the requirements to act as pilotin command, that the glider and the launchequipment are in condition for a safe opera-tion, and that the weather conditions aresuitable for the proposed flight.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Documents and Records

1. Description The applicant may beasked to present and discuss his pilot certifi-cates, medical statement, his and the tow -pilot's recency of experience records, theairworthiness certificate, registration certifi-cate, maintenance records, operating manual,operating limitations, and FAA approvedGlider Flight Manual, if one is required.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall be able to presenteach item and explain its purpose and signifi-cance and shall determine the equipment'sperformance characteristics.

PRIVATE PILOT

B. Weight and Balance1. Description The applicant may be

asked to make practical and appropriatecomputations of permissible loading and dis-tribution of weight using approved weight andbalance data applicable to the glider beingused.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall determine loadsand load distribution in relation to allowablegross weight and center of gravity limits andshall make necessary load adjustments to re-main within limits.

C. Weather Information1. Description The applicant may be

asked to obtain Aviation Weather Reports,Area and Terminal Forecasts, and Winds AloftForecasts pertinent to the proposed flight.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall demonstrate thathe knows what information a weather brief-ing should include, how to best obtain thisinformation, and that he understands its sig-nificance to his proposed flight.

D. Line Inspection1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate a visual inspection ofthe glider's condition, operation of controls,security of attachments, and proper assemblyof all components of the glider. This includesinspecting the general condition and func-tioning of equipment used to launch the

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PRIVATE PILOT

glider. Special emphasis should be given totow line and weak-link strength, properhookup, and normal and emergency releases.The use of a checklist is recommended.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall perform an orderlyand complete inspection of the glider andequipment necessary for the operation to de-termine their acceptability for safe operation.

II. GLIDER LAUNCHES

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can safely

control the glider during ground tows oraero tows. (The applicant's certificate willbe limited to the kind of tow selected.)

Procedures/ManeuversA. Ground Tow (automobile or winch)

1. Description The applicant may beasked to demonstrate his ability to pilot theglider during a launch by automobile orpowered winch. The glider should be pulledat a predetermined speed to enable the gliderpilot to climb and release at an altitude wherehe can safely search for lift or fly a normaltraffic pattern and return for a landing.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall properly direct thehookup and signal readiness for takeoff. Heshall smoothly and effectively lift off andestablish the appropriate climb segments toefficiently gain altitude. He shall show that

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PRIVATE PILOT

he understands the effect of up-elevator onairspeed while under tow. Release shall bemade smoothly without imposing excessivestructural loads on the glider. The applicantshall display knowledge of procedures to befollowed during emergencies, such as towlinebreaks or failure of the release mechanism.

B. Aero Tow1. Description If this method of

launching is selected, the applicant may beasked to demonstrate his ability to pilot aglider during a launch using an airplanewhich has suitable performance. The glidershould be towed aloft and released at analtitude and position agreed upon in ad-vance. This demonstration includes the useof standard signals, proper liftoff, propertow position, corrections for a slack towline,flight through and around the wake, propermaneuvering upon release, and emergencyprocedures.

2. Acceptable Performance Suide-lines The applicant shall assure that he isready for takeoff before giving the appro-priate signal and shall make a smooth, normalliftoff. Retarding the towplane's perform-ance by excessive or hazardous maneuvering,improper positioning, allowing excessive slackin the towline, or consistently using faultycoordination shall be disqualifying. He shalldisplay knowledge of procedures to be fol-lowed during emergencies.

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PRIVATE PILOT

III. PRECISION MANEUVERING

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can safely

maneuver the glider to obtain maximum per-formance under various flight situations.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Steep Turns

1. Description The applicant may beasked to demonstrate banked turns in bothdirections, using banks of at least 45°, suchas used to circle within the strongest lift ofsmall diameter thermals. The turns shouldbe made smoothly and properly coordinated.An airspeed that is slightly higher than thatfor straight flight should be used.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant's performance shall beevaluated on the basis of his smoothness andcoordination while performing the 45° bankedturns. He shall adjust the pitch attitude asthe bank steepens so that an appropriate air-speed results. Any tendency to stall or entera spiral dive during the turns shall be disqualifying.

B. Spirals

1. Description The applicant may beasked to perform a spiral over a specifiedarea, as would be done to dissipate altitudewhile remaining over a selected area on thesurface.

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PRIVATE PILOT

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant's performance shall beevaluated on his ability to spiral in eitherdirection smoothly and with good coordina-tion. He shall recognize the approach to anunintentional high speed spiral dive and shalluse proper recovery procedures from thiscondition.

IV. CRITICAL PERFORMANCE SPEEDS

Objective

To determine that the applicant can safelyand effectively apply his knowledge of variousspeeds critical to glider operation.

Procedures/Maneuvers

A. Best Glide Speed

1. Description The applicant may beasked to determine, explain the use of, andif requested by the examiner, establish theindicated airspeed that will produce the flat-test glide obtainable in still air.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall know the purposeof the best glide speed and be able to demon-strate its use.

B. Minimum Sink Speed

I.. Description The applicant may beasked to determine, explain the use of, and

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PRIVATE PILOT

establish the indicated airspeed at which theglider loses altitude most slowly.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall determine mini-mum sink speed, explain its purpose, and beable to demonstrate its appropriate use.

C. Maximum Speeds

1. Description The applicant may beasked to apply the proper flight techniquesto avoid flight at maximum placarded towspeeds and red-line speeds.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall determine themaximum speeds and be able to maneuverthe glider in such a manner as to avoid ex-ceeding those speeds.

D. Speed-To-Fly

1. Description The applicant may beasked to determine, explain the use of, andestablish the speed which produces the flat-test glide in conditions of convection withoutconsidering the effect of wind. Also, he shalldetermine the speed to use for best penetra-tion considering wind conditions.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall apply his knowl-edge of speed-to-fly and establish the properspeed. He shall determine and use the ap-propriate speed for a wind condition.

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PRIVATE PILOT

V. FLIGHT AT CRITICALLYSLOW AIRSPEEDS

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant understands

the reason for and can recognize changes inflight characteristics at critically slow air-speeds. To determine that the applicantunderstands the reason for and can recognizeimminent and full stalls and can make prompt,effective stall recoveries from all normallyanticipated flight attitudes.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Maneuvering at Minimum Control

Speed

1. Description The applicant may beasked to maneuver the glider in straight andturning flight at such speed that controlla-bility is minimized to the point that if theangle of attack is further increased by anincrease in load factor or a decrease in air-speed an immediate stall would result.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall recognize and es-tablish the minimum controllable airspeed andbe able to maintain that speed through straightand turning flight. Any indication of a stallshall be disqualifying.

B. Imminent Stalls1. Description The applicant may be

asked to establish a flight attitude that will

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PRIVATE PILOT

result in an imminent stall. This should beaccomplished during straight flight or duringturns by smoothly increasing the angle ofattack until the first buffeting or rapid decayof control effectiveness is noted. Recoveriesshould be made by reducing the angle ofattack immediately to regain a normal flightattitude.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall recognize the in-dication of pending stalls and take promptcontrol action to recover to a normal flightattitude.

C. Full Stalls

1. Description The applicant may beasked to establish an attitude that will resultin a full stall. This should be accomplishedduring straight flight or during turns bysmoothly increasing the pitch to an attitudewhich will produce the angle of attack thatwill result in a stall, then maintaining thatattitude until a full stall occurs. Recoveriesshould be made by reducing the angle ofattack and establishing a normal flight atti-tude.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall be aware that stallsmay occur in any attitude or at any airspeed,and he shall recognize the indications of afull stall. He shall promptly, smoothly, andeffectively recover to a normal flight attitude.

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PRIVATE PILOT

VI. ACCURACY APPROACHESAND LANDINGS

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can make

accurate, smooth, and safe approaches andlandings.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Normal and Crosswind Landings

7. Description The applicant may beasked to perform accurate approaches andlandings under normal and crosswind condi-tions. Considering the existing wind condi-tions he shall maneuver the glider to alanding, stopping short of and within 200feet of a designated line or mark. Spoilers,dive brakes or flaps, and moderate slips maybe used as necessary. The crosswind landingdemonstration should be consistent withsafety.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines Poor judgment, violent maneuvering,the use of improper airspeeds, landing out-side the designated landing area, or stoppingbeyond the designated line or mark shall bedisqualifying.

B. Downwind Landings1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate the appropriate use ofdownwind landings. Good judgment shouldbe used to plan the approach and landing to

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PRIVATE PILOT

take advantage of the size and slope of theselected landing area.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall display soundknowledge in recognizing a situation where adownwind landing should be used. He shalldisplay knowledge of the effects of the windand terrain op the approach and landings.and use prop6r speeds and control coordina-tion.

C. 'Simulated Off -Field Landings

I. Description The applicant may beasked to display knowledge of executing anapproach and landing into a field other thanone normally used for aircraft operations.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall be knowledgablein 'all aspects of off-field approaches andlandings.

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COMMERCIAL PILOTOPERATIONS

Procedures/ManeuversI. PREFLIGHT DUTIES

ObjectiveTo determine whether the applicant can

ensure that the ground and flight crew mem-bers arc qualified for their tasks, that theglider and launch equipment is in conditionfor a safe operation, and that the weatherconditions are suitable for the proposed

flight.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Weather information

1. Description The applicant may beasked to obtain Aviation Weather Reports,Area and Terminal Forecasts, and WindsAloft Forecasts pertinent to the proposedflight.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall demonstrate thathe knows what information a weather brief-ing should include, how to best obtain thatweather information, and that he understandsits. significance to his proposed flight.

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

B. Documents and Records1. Description The applicant may be

asked to present and discuss his pilot certifi-cates and medical statement, his and thetow-pilot's recency of experience records. theairworthiness certificate, registration certifi-cate, maintenance records, operating man-ual, operating limitations, and FAA approvedGlider Flight Manual, if one is required.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall be able to presenteach item and explain its purpose and signifi-cance, and shall determine the glider's per-formance characteristics by use of the opera-tional data.

C. Glider Assembly1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate the assembly of theglider such as would be necessary after dis-assembly for retrieval, transporting, or stunage. This involves a systematic procedurefor the proper and careful assembly of majorcomponents of the glider. A checklist pro-vided by the manufacturer or operator shouldbe uscd.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall carefully select aproper location for assembly considering windand other factors and assemble the glider,completing each job in an acceptable se-

quence, using appropriate tools for the as-

sembly.

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

D. Preflight Inspection

1. Description The applicant may beasked to perform a visual inspection of theglider for condition, operation of controls,security of attachments, and proper assemblyof all glider components. The use of a check-list is recommended.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall conduct an orderlypreflight inspection of all components of theglider to determine their acceptability for safeoperation.

.E.- Weight and BalanceI. Description The applicant may he

asked to make practical and appropriatecomputations of permissible loading and dis-tribution of weight using approved weightand balance data applicable to the gliderbeing used.

2. Acceptable Peformance Guide-lines The applicant shall determine loadand load distribution in relation to allowablegross weight and center of gravity limits andshall make necessary adjustments to remainwithin those limits.

F. Inspection of Launch Equipment1. Description The applicant may be

asked to visually inspect the equipment usedto launch the glider. He should use a tow-plane, automobile, or winch that is in goodcondition and suitable to the type of tow.

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

Tow lines, releases, and other associatedequipment should be inspected for generalcondition and wear.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall conduct an orderlyand complete inspection of all equipmentnecessary for the operation.

II. GLIDER LAUNCHES

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can com-

petently control the glider during groundtows or aero tows. (The applicant's certifi-cate will be limited to the kind of towselected.)

Procedures/Maneuvers

A. Ground Tow (automobile or winch)1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate his ability to pilot theglider during a launch by automobile orpowered winch. The glider should be pulledat a predetermined speed to enable the gliderpilot to climb and release at an altitude wherehe can competently seach for lift or fly anormal traffic pattern and return for a land-ing.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall properly direct thehookup and signal his readiness for takeoff.1-le shall smoothly and effectively lift off andestablish the appropriate climb segments to

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

efficiently gain altitude. He shall show thathe understands the effect of up-elevator onairspeed while under tow. Release shall bemade smoothly without imposing excessivestructural loads on the glider. The applicantshall display knowledge of procedures to befollowed during emergencies, such as towlinebreaks or failure of the release mechanism.

B. Aero Tow1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate his ability to pilotthe glider during a launch by an airplanewhich has performance 'characteristics suit-able for towing the glider. The glider shouldbe towed aloft and released at an alti-tude and position agreed upon in advance.This demonstration includes the use of stand-ard signals, proper liftoff, proper tow posi-tions, corrections for slack in towline, flyingthrough and around the wake, release, andemergency procedures.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall signal that he isready for takeoff and shall make a smooth,normal liftoff, and apply necessary correc-tions for wind. Retarding the towplane's

-performance by excessive or hazardous ma-neuvering, improper positioning, allowing ex-cessive slack in the towline, or faulty coor-dination shall be disqualifying. He shalldisplay knowledge of procedures to be fol-lowed during emergencies, such as towline

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

breaks, failure of the release mechanism, orfailure of the towplanc's powerplant.

III. PRECISION MANEUVERING

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can com-

petently maneuver the glider, to obtain maxi-mum performance under various flightsituations.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Straight Glides

1. Description The applicant may beasked to demonstrate straight glides by hold-ing a constant heading and airspeed in coor-dinated flight. A landmark should beselected near the horizon for heading refer-ence. He should establish a pitch attitudethat will result in _maintaining the desiredairspeed.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant . shall be able to main-tain a constant heading with reference to theselected landmark and maintain the desiredairspeed. Over-controlling or excessive slipsor skids shall be disqualifying.

B. Turns to Headings1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate turns to specific head-ings. He should maintain the desired ratesof turn and make timely roll-outs to the pre-.,selected headings while maintaining appro.iiriate airspeeds.

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant's performance shall beevaluated on the basis of his accuracy,smoothness, coordination, and airspeed con-trol.

C. Steep Turns

I. Description The applicant may beasked to demonstrate turns in both direc-tions with 45° to 60° of bank, such as wouldbe used to circle within the strongest lift ofsmall diameter thermals. The turns shouldbe made smoothly and properly coordinated.An airspeed that is slightly higher than thatfor straight flight should be used.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant's performance shall beevaluated on the basis of his smoothness andcoordination while performing the steep turns.He shall adjust the pitch attitude as the banksteepens so that an appropriate airspeed re-sults. Any tendency to approach a stall orapproach a high speed spiral dive during theturns shall be disqualifying.

D. Spirals

1. Description The applicant may beasked to perform a spiral over a specifiedarea, as would be done to dissipate altitudewhile remaining over a selected area on thesurface.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant's performance shall beevaluated on his ability to spiral in either

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

direction. smoothly and with good coordina-tion. lie shall recognize any approach to anunintentional high speed spiral dive and shalluse prompt procedures to recover from thiscondition.

IV. PERFORMANCE SPEEDS AND FLIGHTAT CRITICALLY SLOW AIRSPEEDS

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant has a

thorough knowledge of speeds pertinent to thesafe and efficient operation of gliders and thathe can competently maneuver the glider withrespect to those speeds. To determine that theapplicant can make prompt, effective stall re-coveries.

Procedures/ ManeuversA. Performance Speeds

1. Description The applicant may beasked to demonstrate the use of glider per-formance speeds such as the best glide speed,minimum sink speed, speedtofly, and maxi-mum speed:

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall explain the pur-pose of various performance speeds and shallapply these speeds to different flight situations.

B. Flight at Minimum Control Speed1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate straight flight andshallow and medium banked turns at suchairspeed that controllability is minimized to

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

the point that, if the angle of attack is furtherincreased by an increase in load factor ordecrease in airspeed, an immediate stallwould result.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines Performance shall be evaluated on thebasis of positive airspeed control, smoothcontrol usage, and proper coordination. Anyindication of a stall shall be disqualifying.

C. Stalls1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate recoveries from stallsentered from straight flight and from turns ineither direction. Recoveries to straight flightshould be initiated either at the first indica-tion of a stall or when the full stall occurs, asdirected by the examiner.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall recognize an in-cipient stall and a full stall and execute aprompt, smooth, and positive recovery.

V. ACCURACY APPROACHES AND LAND-INGS

ObjectiveTo determine that the applicant can com-

petently make accurate, smooth, and safeapproaches and landings.

Procedures/ManeuversA. Normal and Crosswind Landings

1. Description The applicant may beasked to demonstrate approaches and land-

COMMERCIAL PILOT

ings under normal and crosswind conditions.With consideration for the existing wind con-ditions, the applicant should accurately planand safely maneuver the glider to a landing,stopping short of and within 100 feet of adesignated line or mark. Spoilers, divebrakes, flaps, and moderate slips may be usedas necessary. Crosswind landing demonstra-tions should be consistent with safety.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines Poor judgment, violent maneuvering,landing outside the designated landing area,or stopping beyond the designated line or markshall be disqualifying.

B. Downwind Landings1. Description The applicant may be

asked to demonstrate the appropriate use ofdownwind approaches and landings. Goodjudgment should be used to plan the ap-proach and landing to take advantage of thesize and slope of the selected landing area.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall display soundknowledge in recognizing the situation wherea downwind landing should be used. Heshall know the effects of wind and terrain ondownwind operations, and use proper speedsand control coordination.

C. Simulated Off -Field LandingsI. Description The applicant may be

asked to execute an approach and landing h..,a field other than one normally used for air-

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

craft operations. Because the field elevationwould normally be unknown, the altimetershould be disregarded or covered. The entirepattern should be planned and flown as usual,except the placement of the pattern legs andturns should be made without reference to thealtimeter.

2. Acceptable Performance Guide-lines The applicant shall have a thoroughknowledge of all aspects of off-field approachesand landings. During this maneuver he shalldisplay safe techniques and sound judgment.

tr U.S. G.P.O. 1973-518-959

For sale by the Superintendent of DocumentsU.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20902

Price: 50 cents. Stock Number 5011-00068

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