GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Flight Maneuvers and Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

A glider with a 1g stall speed of 40 knots enters a coordinated, 60-degree banked turn. What is the approximate new stall speed?

Accepted Answer

56 knots

Answer

In a 60-degree banked turn, the load factor is 2g. The stall speed increases by the square root of the load factor. The square root of 2 is approximately 1.41. Therefore, the new stall speed is 40 knots * 1.41, which equals approximately 56 knots.

Question 2

During a final approach, a pilot realizes they are too high but on the correct flight path. To lose altitude without a significant increase in airspeed, which maneuver is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A forward slip

Answer

A forward slip is a maneuver used specifically to increase the rate of descent without increasing airspeed. It is performed by cross-controlling the ailerons and rudder to present the side of the fuselage to the relative wind, creating significant drag. A sideslip is used to counteract drift in a crosswind landing.

Question 3

While thermalling, a pilot notices the variometer reading increases significantly as they fly on a southerly heading and decreases on a northerly heading. To move the center of their turn towards the thermal's core, the pilot should:

Accepted Answer

Shallow the bank angle when heading south and steepen it when heading north.

Answer

To move the center of the turn towards the stronger lift, the pilot should spend more time on the side of the circle with weaker lift and less time on the side with stronger lift. By shallowing the bank in the strong lift (heading south), the turn radius increases, pushing the circle's center north. By steepening the bank in the weak lift (heading north), the turn radius decreases, pulling the circle's center towards the stronger lift.

Question 4

During an aerotow, the glider encounters significant wake turbulence from the tow plane, resulting in a violent, uncommanded roll. What is the pilot's most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Release from the tow rope immediately and fly clear of the wake.

Answer

Wake turbulence can be powerful enough to cause a loss of control. The safest and most appropriate immediate action is to release from the tow rope to regain independent control of the glider and then maneuver to fly out of the turbulent air.

Question 5

What is the primary aerodynamic effect a glider experiences when flying very close to the ground, such as during the final flare for landing?

Accepted Answer

A reduction in induced drag, causing the glider to 'float' further.

Answer

When a glider flies within approximately one wingspan of the ground, it enters 'ground effect'. This phenomenon interferes with the formation of wingtip vortices, which are a primary cause of induced drag. The reduction in induced drag makes the wing more efficient, causing the glider to float a longer distance than it would otherwise.

GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Practice Test

GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Practice Test

GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Flight Maneuvers and Techniques Questions and Answers