GPC GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Glider Airworthiness and Preflight Inspection Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does inspecting the glider's control surfaces for 'full and free movement' verify?
- That controls move completely through their range without obstruction or restriction (Correct answer)
- That ailerons are neutrally balanced
- That the yaw string is properly attached
- That the rudder pedals are adjusted for the pilot
Correct answer: That controls move completely through their range without obstruction or restriction
Full and free movement checks confirm that no control linkage is jammed, disconnected, or restricted, which is critical for safe flight control.
Question 2: The ballast system in a high-performance glider is primarily used to:
- Increase wing loading for faster cruise speeds (Correct answer)
- Reduce glide ratio in strong thermal conditions
- Shift the center of gravity forward for landing
- Compensate for heavier pilot weight
Correct answer: Increase wing loading for faster cruise speeds
Water ballast increases wing loading, which raises the best glide speed and improves high-speed cruise performance in strong conditions.
Question 3: Which preflight check is unique to gliders compared to powered aircraft?
- Verifying the tow release mechanism operates correctly (Correct answer)
- Checking fuel quantity and fuel cap security
- Testing the magneto drop within limits
- Inspecting the carburetor heat control
Correct answer: Verifying the tow release mechanism operates correctly
Gliders use tow releases for aerotow or winch launches; verifying the release operates correctly is a glider-specific and safety-critical preflight item.
Question 4: What is the maximum allowable time between transponder tests and inspections under 14 CFR Part 91?
- 24 calendar months (Correct answer)
- 12 calendar months
- 6 calendar months
- 36 calendar months
Correct answer: 24 calendar months
14 CFR 91.413 requires that transponders used in controlled airspace be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months.
Question 5: When must a glider's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) battery be replaced?
- After one hour of cumulative use or when 50% of its useful life has expired, whichever comes first (Correct answer)
- Annually regardless of use
- Every two years
- Only when the ELT self-test indicates low battery
Correct answer: After one hour of cumulative use or when 50% of its useful life has expired, whichever comes first
14 CFR 91.207 requires ELT battery replacement after one hour of cumulative use or when half the battery's shelf life has elapsed.
Question 6: A glider pilot notices the yaw string is missing from the canopy before departure. What should the pilot do?
- Replace or substitute it before flight, as it is the primary slip/skid indicator for gliders (Correct answer)
- Proceed with flight, relying solely on the slip/skid ball
- Delay flight until an instrument technician inspects the aircraft
- File a maintenance log entry and defer the item
Correct answer: Replace or substitute it before flight, as it is the primary slip/skid indicator for gliders
The yaw string is the primary and most sensitive coordination indicator in a glider; flying without it removes the pilot's main tool for detecting uncoordinated flight.
GPC GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Glider Airworthiness and Preflight Inspection Questions and Answers 2
What does inspecting the glider's control surfaces for 'full and free movement' verify?