An ASK-21 demonstrating the proper use of Checklists during pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight situations

Practical Test Standards – Introduction – Applicant’s Use of Checklists

Reference: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flying Handbook

Objective: To determine that the applicant:

  1. Throughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an appropriate checklist. Proper use is dependent on the specific TASK being evaluated. The situation may be such that the use of the checklist, while accomplishing elements of an Objective, would be either unsafe or impracticable, especially in a single-pilot operation. In this case, a review of the checklist after the elements have been accomplished would be appropriate. Division of attention and proper visual scanning should be considered when using a checklist.
A demonstation of the Standard Soaring Society of America ground and flight signals

Instructor Guide – Crosswind Landing

The video shows Glider Pilots, Tow-Pilots, and Ground crew demonstrating the Standard Americal Soaring Signals

    • Ground Signals
      • Check controls.
      • Open Towhook.
      • Close Towhook.
      • Raise wingtip to level position.
      • Take up slack.
      • Hold operations.
      • Begin Takeoff.
      • Stop Operation Immediately.
      • Stop.
      • Release towline or cut towlin now.
    • Airborn Signals (Towplane to Glider)
      • Something is wrong with the glider (check spoilers).
      • Glider Release Immediately.
      • Towplane cannot Release.
  • Airborn Signals (Glider to Towplane)
    • Towplane please turn right.
    • Towplane please turn left.
    • Decrease tow speed.
    • Increase tow speed.
    • Glider cannot Release.
Failing to complete the pre-launch checklist can lead to accidents. Discuss ways to avoid distractions during this critical activity.
Condor training video showing a glider pilot making a successful crosswind landing. The pilot is landing in a strong cross-wind from the left. The pilot must correct for the increased ground speed on base leg, start the turn from base to final at the proper time, and control the gliders ground track to ensure a safe landing at the predetermined touchdown point.

Instructor Guide – Crosswind Landing

The video clip contains a Condor simulation of a properly performed cross-wind landing. You, the instructor, should emphasize the improper use of the flight controls during this event. You should also discuss the following points:

  • What is the students general impression?
  • Discuss the turn from base to final:
    • – Did the pilot start the turn early?
    • – Did the pilot start the turn on-time?
    • – Did the pilot start the turn late?
    • – What action(s) can the pilot take if the turn is started too early?
    • – What action(s) can the pilot take if the turn is started too late?
  • Discuss the ground track on final:
    • – Is the glider tracking the runway centerline?
    • – What control inputs would the pilot make if the glider is right of the centerline?
    • – What control inputs would the pilot make if the glider is left of the centerline?
  • Discuss the transition from the crab to the side slip:
    • – Why did the pilot perform this transition?
    • – What control inputs did the pilot make to accomplish this task?
    • – At what altitude should the pilot perform this transition?
    • – What function does the rudder perform during the side slip?
    • – What function do the ailerons perform during the slide slip?
    • – What function does the elevator perform during the slide slip?
  • Discuss the flare, touchdown, and ground roll.
    • – Should the wings be level or should 1 wing be lower than the other?
    • – How does the pilot steer on the ground?
    • – Why does the glider turn to the left at the end of the ground roll?
  • Other points to discuss
    • – What factors go into making the decision to use a crab or side slip?
    • – Does a crab effect the sink rate of the glider?
    • – Does a side slip effect the sink rate of the glider?
    • – Where should the yaw string be when the glider is crabbing?
    • – Where should the yaw string be when the glide is in the side slip?
    • – What controls the sink rate of the glider?
    • – What controls the airspeed?
    • – What action should the pilot take if the aim point is moving up on the canopy?
    • – What action should the pilot take if the aim point is not moving on the canopy?
    • – What action should the pilot take if the aim point is moving down on the canopy?
Demonstrating normal, crosswind, and downwind patterns and landing maneuvers.
Demonstrating the slips to landing maneuver.

Practical Test Standards – Area of Operation IV; Task R: Slips to Landing

Note: The examiner will select one type of slip from the knowledge area for demonstration.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flying Handbook

Objective: To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related forward, side, and truning slips to landing, with and without the use of drage devices.
  2. Recognizes the situation where a slip should be used to land in a desired area.
  3. Establishes a slip without the use of drag devices.
  4. Maintains the desired ground track.
  5. Maintains proper approach attitude.
  6. Makes smooth, proper, and positive conttrol applications during recovery from the slip.
  7. Touches down smoothly within the designated landing area.
Demonstrating a safe technique to recover from a slack line condition during aerotow.

Practical Test Standards – Area of Operation IV; Task R: Aerotow – Slack Line

Reference: FAA-H-8083-13

Objective: To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the caused, hazards, and corrections related to slack line.
  2. Recognizes slack line and applies immediate, positive, and smooth corrective action to eliminate slack line in various situations.
Demonstrating:

1) maneuvering on tow from the high to low tow position
2) a box the wake maneuver
3) practice emergency signal ‘Glider cannot release’

Practical Test Standards – Area of Operation IV; Task C: Aerotow – Maintaining Tow Positions

Reference: FAA-H-8083-13

Objective: To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to high-tow (slightly above the wake) and low-tos (slightly below the wake) positions during various phases of aerotow.
  2. Makes smooth and correct control applications to maintain vertical and lateral positions during high and low tow.
  3. Transitions from High- to low-tow position through the wake while maintaining positive control.
  4. Maintains proper tow position during turns.
  5. Uses aerotow visual signals as appropriate and as directed by the examiner.

Practical Test Standards – Area of Operation IV; Task E: Aerotow – Boxing The Wake

Reference: FAA-H-8083-13

Objective: To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to boxing the wake (maneuvering around the wake).
  2. Maneuvers the glider, while on tow, slightly outside the towplane’s wake in a rectangular, box-like pattern.
  3. Maintains proper control and coordination.

Practical Test Standards – Area of Operation IV; Task G: Aerotow – Abnormal Occurrences

Reference: FAA-H-8083-13

Objective: To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to aerotow abnormal occurrences, for various situations, such as-.
    1. towplane power loss during takeoff.
    2. towline break.
    3. towplane power failure at altitude.
    4. glider release failure.
    5. glider and towplane release faailure (oral only).
    6. canopy opening in flight.
  2. Demonstrates simulated aeortow abnormal occurrences as required by the examiner.