GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Launch and Landing Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an aerotow launch, what is the correct immediate action for the glider pilot if the tow rope breaks shortly after becoming airborne, but with sufficient runway remaining to land?
- Initiate a steep turn back towards the runway.
- Maintain a normal glide attitude, release the remaining rope, and land straight ahead. (Correct answer)
- Climb steeply to gain altitude for a pattern.
- Wait for the tow plane to circle back and assess the situation.
Correct answer: Maintain a normal glide attitude, release the remaining rope, and land straight ahead.
In the event of a low-altitude tow rope break with sufficient runway ahead, the safest procedure is to immediately lower the nose to maintain flying speed, pull the tow release to jettison the remaining rope, and execute a normal landing straight ahead on the remaining runway. Attempting a 180-degree turn at low altitude is extremely hazardous and a leading cause of accidents.
Question 2: Which of the following is a critical part of the pre-takeoff checklist, often remembered by the mnemonic 'CISTRS' or a similar variation?
- Confirming the tow pilot's flight plan.
- Reviewing the day's weather forecast.
- Checking that controls are free and correct. (Correct answer)
- Calculating the final glide ratio to a nearby airport.
Correct answer: Checking that controls are free and correct.
A standard pre-takeoff checklist, often using a mnemonic like CISTRSC (Controls, Instruments, Straps, Trim, Release, Spoilers, Canopy), always includes a check for full, free, and correct movement of all flight controls (ailerons, elevator, and rudder). This ensures the glider is controllable before the launch begins.
Question 3: A glider pilot is on the downwind leg of the landing pattern. At what point should they typically plan to turn onto the base leg?
- When the glider is directly opposite the intended touchdown point.
- When the intended touchdown point is approximately 45 degrees behind the glider's wing. (Correct answer)
- As soon as the pre-landing checklist is complete.
- After descending to 300 feet AGL, regardless of position.
Correct answer: When the intended touchdown point is approximately 45 degrees behind the glider's wing.
The standard procedure is to fly downwind past the intended landing spot and begin the turn to the base leg when the landing spot appears at an approximate 45-degree angle behind the wing. This positioning helps establish a proper glide path for the base and final legs of the approach.
Question 4: When performing a crosswind landing, what is the primary purpose of the 'crabbing' technique during the final approach?
- To increase the rate of descent without gaining airspeed.
- To align the glider's longitudinal axis with the runway centerline.
- To counteract the wind's drift and maintain a ground track aligned with the runway. (Correct answer)
- To present a smaller profile to the wind for a smoother touchdown.
Correct answer: To counteract the wind's drift and maintain a ground track aligned with the runway.
During a crabbing approach, the glider's nose is pointed into the wind to counteract the sideways drift. This allows the glider's actual ground track to remain aligned with the runway centerline, even though the aircraft's longitudinal axis is at an angle to it. Just before touchdown, the pilot 'kicks out' the crab by applying rudder to align the glider with the runway.
Question 5: If the glider's release mechanism fails during an aerotow, what is the standard signal the glider pilot should give to the tow pilot?
- Rock the glider's wings vigorously.
- Move to the high tow position and yaw the tail back and forth.
- Fly out to the left side of the tow plane and rock the wings. (Correct answer)
- Make a series of S-turns behind the tow plane.
Correct answer: Fly out to the left side of the tow plane and rock the wings.
The standard visual signal for a glider release failure is for the glider to move to the left of the tow plane's wake and rock its wings. This alerts the tow pilot to the problem, who should then return to the airfield and release the tow rope from their end, allowing the glider to land safely.
Question 6: A pilot is preparing to land and completes a pre-landing checklist often recalled by the mnemonic 'FUSTALL' or 'SWAFTS'. Which of the following checks is a key component of this list?
- Confirming the radio is set to the tower frequency.
- Stowing all personal items in the baggage compartment.
- Verifying the undercarriage (landing gear) is down and locked. (Correct answer)
- Reviewing emergency off-field landing options.
Correct answer: Verifying the undercarriage (landing gear) is down and locked.
Pre-landing checklists, often remembered by mnemonics like FUSTALL or SWAFTS, include critical safety items. A key item in these checklists is ensuring the undercarriage (wheel) is down and locked for landing. Forgetting this step can lead to significant damage to the glider.
GPC - Glider Pilot Certificate Launch and Landing Procedures Questions and Answers
During an aerotow launch, what is the correct immediate action for the glider pilot if the tow rope breaks shortly after becoming airborne, but with sufficient runway remaining to land?