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

40 knots

Answer

80 knots

Answer

48 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 sideslip

Answer

A chandelle

Answer

A steep spiral dive

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

Continue the turn with no change to recenter on the next circle.

Answer

Reverse the direction of the turn immediately.

Answer

Steepen the bank angle when heading south and shallow it when heading north.

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

Attempt to fly through the turbulence while maintaining position.

Answer

Signal the tow pilot by rocking the wings, then release.

Answer

Descend to the low-tow position to find smoother 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

An increase in induced drag, causing the glider to sink rapidly.

Answer

A significant increase in parasite drag due to air compression.

Answer

A loss of aileron effectiveness due to disrupted airflow.

Question 6

During a winch launch, the cable breaks at an altitude of 300 feet. There is insufficient runway remaining to land straight ahead, but the wind is calm. What is the correct recovery procedure?

Accepted Answer

Push the stick forward to establish a safe airspeed, then perform a modified, abbreviated circuit to land into the wind.

Answer

Pull up to trade speed for altitude before turning back.

Answer

Immediately initiate a steep 180-degree turn to land downwind.

Answer

Deploy full airbrakes and perform a stall to land with minimal forward speed.