CFI-G Syllabus
Training reference outline for the Flight Instructor, Glider rating. Keyed to FAA-S-8081-8C.
Eligibility check (§§61.39, 61.183)
- 18+, reads/speaks/writes English (FAA AELS, AC 60-28)
- Holds commercial or ATP, glider category, or transition path agreed
- FOI knowledge test passed (waived if already a flight or ground instructor, a certificated teacher for 7th grade or higher, or an accredited college/university teacher, §61.183(e))
- FIG knowledge test passed
- Spin training and one-time endorsement (§61.183(i))
- Endorsed for the practical by an authorized CFI (§61.183(g))
- 15+ hr PIC in gliders logged (§61.183(j))
- Flight proficiency training in the §61.187(b) areas received and endorsed (§61.183(g))
Special Emphasis Areas (PTS p.10, evaluated across the test)
- Positive aircraft control
- Positive exchange of flight controls (three-step verbal + visual check)
- Stall and spin awareness
- Collision avoidance / visual scanning
- Wake turbulence and low-level windshear avoidance
- Runway incursion avoidance
- CFIT
- ADM and risk management (incl. CRM/SRM)
- Checklist usage
- Spatial disorientation
- TFR / SUA / aviation security
- Wire-strike avoidance
I.Fundamentals of Instructing G(waived for add-on; evaluator selects E and F minimum)
Ref: FAA-H-8083-9 (Aviation Instructor's Handbook).
Obj: definition + characteristics of learning; laws of learning; factors in how people learn; levels of learning; skill-learning principles; forgetting + retention; transfer of learning; habit-pattern formation.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: control of human behavior; developing student potential; relationship of human needs to behavior and learning; defense mechanisms in learning + ADM; rules for good human relations.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: lesson preparation; presentation methods; student application; review + evaluation of performance.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: lesson organization (intro, development, conclusion); lecture; guided discussion; demonstration-performance; computer / video-assisted instruction.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: purpose + characteristics of effective critique; critique vs evaluation; effective oral questions (and what to avoid); responses to student questions; written tests; performance tests / FAA PTS use.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: professional CFI traits; managing student stress / anxiety / psych issues; supervision + surveillance of student pilots; endorsements + recommendations responsibility; CFI's role in flight reviews.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: course development; syllabus content + use; lesson-plan parts + use; flexibility for varied student backgrounds.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
II.Technical Subject Areas G(K + at least one other)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13, -1, -25, -28; AIM; 14 CFR parts 1, 61, 91; AC 61-65, 61-67, 61-94, 90-48; 49 CFR 830; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: hypoxia · hyperventilation · middle-ear/sinus · spatial disorientation · motion sickness · alcohol + drugs · dehydration · CO poisoning (self-launch) · evolved gas (scuba) · stress + fatigue · visual illusions, symptoms, effects, corrective actions for each.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: physical/mental state vs vision; environmental + optical illusions; "see and avoid"; time-sharing inside/outside; proper scan technique; speed-differential collision risk; clearing procedures; high-collision-risk situations.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: distraction-as-causal-factor in accidents; selecting realistic distractions; division of attention vs use of distractions; distraction vs harassment.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: glider/airfoil design; three axes + stability; lift/drag relationship; forces in straight flight + turns; stalls + spins.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: purpose, location, control system, direction-of-movement, effect on glider, technique, adverse yaw, for each control.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: purpose, location, control system, direction relative to airflow + primary control, effect on glider, technique, for trim, flaps, spoilers, dive brakes.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: W&B terms; effect on performance; total-weight + CG calculation; effect of adding/removing/shifting weight; removable ballast.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: nav terms; chart use + currency; airspace + symbols; plotting + checkpoints; pilotage + dead reckoning; weather check + go/no-go; flight profile + go-ahead points; off-airport landing area selection.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: 14 CFR 1, 61, 91; 49 CFR 830; FLIPs; PTS; Glider Flight Manual, purpose, content, availability, revision method.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: dimensions + operating requirements of airspace classes; controlled, uncontrolled, special-use, TFRs.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: required entries for instruction given (incl. launch type); student-pilot endorsements + logbook entries; practical-test recommendation entries; flight-review endorsement; required CFI records.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
III.Preflight Preparation G(at least one Task)
Refs: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, 91; FAA-H-8083-13; FAA-H-8083-28B; Glider Flight Manual; NOTAM.
Obj: pilot + CFI cert issuance, privileges, limitations; medical fitness; airworthiness + registration; glider flight manual; maintenance/inspection requirements + records.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: thorough wx check; sources; reports/forecasts/charts incl. stability; PIREPs/SIGMETs/AIRMETs; hazards on glider ops; go/no-go factors; lifting-process drivers, pressure + temperature lapse, atmospheric instability, thermal index, cloud formation, fronts, sea/land/valley breezes, orographic lift, mountain waves.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: magnetic compass · yaw string / inclinometer · airspeed + altimeter · variometer + total-energy · gyros · electrical · gear + brakes · avionics · oxygen.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: W&B determination; performance charts/data; density altitude + wind effects; performance airspeeds + uses; relationship between airspeeds and load factors; water-ballast purpose + effect; limitations vs required performance.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
IV.Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight G(waived for add-on)
Ref: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; Glider Flight Manual.
Evaluator picks a maneuver from Areas VII through XII; candidate presents the preflight lesson as if to a student; previously prepared lesson plans from the applicant's library permitted.
Obj: lesson plan with all essential items; stated objective; complete oral description incl. elements + common errors; instructional aids; recognition, analysis, and correction of common errors.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge (lesson presentation).
V.Preflight Procedures F(at least one Task)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: suitable assembly area + crewmembers; checklist use; component handling; clean + lubricate parts; post-assembly inspection incl. positive control check.
Errors: poor area / crew planning; no checklist; careless component handling; missed clean/lube; missed or sloppy post-assembly + positive control check.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: proper handling equipment; crew positioning; control positioning + securing; canopy precautions; placards + cautions; route + speed + obstruction awareness.
Errors: wrong equipment; insufficient crew; controls unsecured; canopy unsecured; placards ignored; bad route/speed/obstructions.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: purpose + items + defect detection; checklist use; oxygen system if applicable; structural-damage check; assembly + attachment check (incl. controls); ballast (CG weights, water); towline + hitch + weak link + release; sound judgment on airworthiness.
Errors: no/improper checklist; allowing distractions; can't recognize discrepancies.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: arrange + secure essentials; adjust safety belts, harness, pedals, seats, parachutes; brief occupants on emergencies + restraint use.
Errors: essentials not secured; equipment not adjusted; no occupant briefing.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: pre-launch, launch, airborne, emergency signals, purpose + proper response for each.
Errors: wrong signal transmission/response at any phase incl. emergencies.
Std: demonstrate + teach (emergency portion may be oral).
VI.Airport and Gliderport Operations F(at least one Task)
Refs: AIM; AC 90-66; FAA-H-8083-9, -13, -25; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B.
Obj: frequency selection + use; AIM phraseology; receive + acknowledge + comply with ATC; comm-failure procedure; ATC light signals.
Errors: wrong freqs; bad technique/phraseology; missed/wrong ATC compliance; wrong comm-failure procedure; light signal errors.
Std: instructional knowledge.
Obj: segments + procedures of a normal glider pattern; awareness of co-existing patterns/runways + scan + spacing; pre-landing checklist; airspeed + wind-drift correction; touchdown + stop-point selection; lift/sink corrections; windshear; flap/spoiler/brake planning.
Errors: poor scan/spacing; bad entry; bad drift correction; rough/uncoordinated controls; poor touchdown/stop-point selection; bad airspeed; missed pattern corrections; low base + low uncoordinated turn to final.
Std: turn to final at bank angle ≤ 45°; demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: identify + interpret signs, markings, lighting.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
VII.Launches and Landings F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B; Glider Flight Manual. Evaluator picks the launch kind per applicant qualifications, then selects at least one Task from that launch group, plus at least one landing Task.
Aero tow
Obj: reason for each item; agreed signals/speeds/wind/emergencies with crew; altimeter/control/canopy; correct hitch; towline + release check; review takeoff emergencies; clear of other traffic.
Errors: missed items; wrong signals; controls unchecked; bad towline/release check; missed emergency review.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: glider config + position; initial controls; pre-launch + launch signals; directional control; crosswind technique; lift-off attitude + alignment + climbout.
Errors: wrong config; bad initial controls; wrong signals; lost alignment before tow airborne; bad position relative to tow at liftoff; bad crosswind position after tow airborne.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: high tow + low tow purpose, recognition, technique; towplane wake turbulence; transitions between high/low; turns on tow; over-/under-control.
Errors: faulty vertical/lateral position; faulty transitions; inadvertent wake entry; turn too early or steep; turn too late or shallow.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: situations producing slack; hazards; correction techniques.
Errors: delayed correction; wrong technique; correction overstresses towline / weak link / glider.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: rectangular pattern just outside the wake; coordinated control; taut towline.
Errors: rectangle too large; bad coordination; abrupt position changes.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: release with normal towline tension; clear of other aircraft; clearing turn (glider + towplane); when to release immediately.
Errors: slack at release; not clearing first; missed clearing turn; release near other aircraft.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: pre-flight agreement on actions; correct response to towplane power loss on takeoff, towline break, towplane power failure at altitude, glider release failure, both releases failure.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Ground tow (auto or winch)
Same checklist logic as A; hitch suited to ground tow.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: launch airspeed calc; config + position; initial controls; signals; directional control; crosswind technique; pitch + groundtrack on climb; airspeed adjustments + porpoising recovery; release technique.
Errors: wrong config/controls/signals; wrong crosswind technique; bad climb profile; bad porpoise correction; exceeding max launch airspeed; bad release timing.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: pre-flight agreement on actions; response to overrunning towline, launch power failure / line break, release failure, porpoising; emergency release / line severance methods.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Self-launch
Obj: checklist; safety precautions; atmospheric effects; start procedure; engine-control adjustment; preventing glider movement.
Errors: no/improper checklist; unsafe start; over-RPM; prop-clearance failure.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: brake check + use; markings/signals/clearances; direction + speed; control positioning for wind; avoiding aircraft + hazards (wingspan + maneuvering room).
Errors: wrong brake use; non-compliance with markings/signals; taxi too fast; wrong control-for-wind; missed wingspan considerations.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: position to avoid hazards; division of attention; checklist + responses; engine temps + pressures; airworthiness; review V-speeds + distances + wind + emergencies; takeoff area clear; clear of traffic.
Errors: bad positioning; checklist failures; accepting marginal engine; bad control check; missed emergency review; missed hazard / traffic check.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: alignment; initial controls; power application; directional control on roll; crosswind technique; lift-off attitude + airspeed; climb attitude + power + airspeed; crosswind correction + track on climb; checklist.
Errors: wrong initial controls; wrong power; hand off throttle; bad directional control; aileron misuse; wrong lift-off attitude; missed climb attitude/airspeed; drift on climb.
Std: climb airspeed ±5 kt; demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: mfr power setting for cooling; airspeed; electrical reduction; mfr feathering / position / stow; static-source selection.
Errors: missed idle period; feather at wrong airspeed; off-mfr procedure; wrong electrical config; lost positive aircraft control.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: correct airspeed; altitude budget; mfr unfeather; engine-control operation; starter or windmill restart; warm-up; static source; electrical setup; prop-pitch adjustment.
Errors: wrong airspeed; bad unfeather; wrong control operation; off-procedure restart; bad warm-up; bad electrical; lost positive aircraft control.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: pilot action for partial/complete power loss or no-restart; smoke/fire ground or air; loss of oil pressure; low fuel pressure; engine overheat; electrical malfunction; canopy opening in flight.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
Landings (at least one Task)
Obj: obstructions/hazards; wind speed + direction estimation; glidepath at recommended airspeed; flap/spoiler/brake use; coordinated controls + trim; crosswind technique; roundout + touchdown timing; directional control after touchdown; wing attitude + brake use after touchdown.
Errors: poor glidepath / drag-device misuse; rough/hesitant/uncoordinated; bad airspeed; bad crosswind correction; bad roundout/touchdown; bad post-touchdown directional control; bad brake use.
Std: approach airspeed ±5 kt; touchdown smoothly within designated landing area, no appreciable drift, longitudinal axis aligned, stop short of and within 100 ft of the designated point (rolling past it is disqualifying).
Obj: forward / side / turning slips with + without drag devices; obstacles + hazards; airspeed indication errors; control + crosswind technique; transition from slip to touchdown; post-touchdown directional control + brake use.
Errors: wrong glider config; wrong technique for accuracy; rough/hesitant/uncoordinated; bad crosswind correction; bad roundout/touchdown; bad post-touchdown directional control; bad brake use.
Std: demonstrate slip without drag devices to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: obstructions/hazards; max wind for downwind landing; final-approach length vs normal; glidepath + airspeed; drag-device use for accuracy; coordinated controls + trim; wind correction; roundout + touchdown; post-touchdown directional control + brake use.
Errors: poor glidepath / drag-device misuse; rough/hesitant/uncoordinated; airspeed bleed-off due to higher groundspeed; bad wind correction; bad roundout/touchdown; bad post-touchdown directional control; bad brake use.
Std: approach airspeed ±5 kt; demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
VIII.Fundamentals of Flight F(at least one Task)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B.
Obj: pitch + airspeed; precise ground track; flap / spoiler / brake effect; smooth coordinated controls; trim use.
Errors: rough/erratic pitch + airspeed; missed wind-drift correction; control errors when using drag devices; rough or uncoordinated controls; missed/improper trim.
Std: specified heading ±10°, specified airspeed ±5 kt.
Obj: pitch + bank + airspeed; roll-in + roll-out; lift/drag/load-factor changes; adverse yaw; smooth coordinated controls.
Errors: rough or uncoordinated roll-in/roll-out; missed bank angle; imprecise heading on rollout.
Std: desired airspeed ±5 kt, rollout on specified heading ±10°.
IX.Performance Airspeeds F(at least one Task)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: aerodynamic factors; use; establishment + maintenance.
Errors: wrong speed determination; rough/erratic pitch + airspeed.
Std: maintain selected speed ±5 kt.
Obj: factors driving speed-to-fly (incl. MacCready); use; establishment + maintenance for a given situation.
Errors: wrong speed determination; rough/erratic pitch + airspeed.
Std: maintain calculated speed ±5 kt.
X.Soaring Techniques G/F(F if conditions; G otherwise; at least one Task)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B.
Obj: thermal production; recognition; initial entry; thermal structure analysis + turn direction; coordinated control + planning to stay in lift; ground / wind / traffic orientation; airspeed in + between thermals; re-entry technique.
Errors: wrong airspeed in/between thermals; missed entry/exit recognition; bad initial entry; bad coordination + planning; lost ground/wind orientation; missed scan; bad re-entry.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance (or instructional knowledge if no lift).
Obj: terrain + wind producing orographic lift; estimating terrain height; entry into lift; smooth coordinated controls; safe lateral terrain distance; re-entry; ridge approach + crossing; gliding distance to landable area; ground / wind / traffic orientation; weather changes.
Errors: approach at 90°/from downwind; wrong airspeed in lift; missed lift loss / sink; bad coordination; lost orientation; missed scan; out of glide range to safe field.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance (or instructional knowledge if no lift).
Obj: terrain + wx producing wave; entry technique; smooth coordinated controls; re-entry; orientation; rotor + wave turbulence recognition; ATC coordination; airspeeds; weather changes; high-altitude equipment + training.
Errors: erratic airspeed in rotor; wrong airspeed in lift; rough technique; missed lift loss / sink; bad coordination + planning; lost orientation; missed scan; missing oxygen / cold-weather kit / training.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance (or instructional knowledge if no wave).
XI.Performance Maneuvers F(at least one Task)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B.
Obj: relationship of bank angle, load factor, and stalling speed; overbanking tendency; recommended entry airspeed; orientation + division of attention + planning; coordinated controls; entry + roll-out.
Errors: uncoordinated controls; lost orientation; unintentional stall or spin; rollout heading deviation.
Std: 720° turn, bank 45° ±5°, airspeed ±5 kt, rollout on entry heading ±10°.
Obj: conditions causing high-speed spirals; recognition; recovery procedure; smooth control inputs.
Errors: missed spiral-dive recognition; rough/abrupt/uncoordinated recovery; wrong sequence; consequences of delay.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
XII.Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins F(at least one Task; Task C not required for ASE add-ons; for any applicant the evaluator may accept a certified spin-instruction logbook record in lieu of Task C)
Refs: 14 CFR part 23; FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: establish + maintain target airspeed; flight characteristics + controllability; airspeed in turbulence + with bank; smooth coordinated controls; raising lowered wing without stalling; recovery to desired airspeed.
Errors: can't establish/maintain slow speed; wrong trim; rough/uncoordinated controls; missed first stall indication; wrong technique in turb / turn; faulty wing-raise.
Std: straight: heading ±10°. Turns: desired bank ±5°.
Obj: stall aerodynamics; weight, CG, load factor, drag-device, bank effects; situations for unintentional stalls; first-indication recognition; stalls in various configs; entry + minimum entry altitude; coordinated controls; recovery + minimum recovery altitude.
Errors: wrong config before entry; bad pitch/heading/bank in straight stalls; bad pitch/bank in turning stalls; rough/uncoordinated; missed first indication; failure to actually stall; delayed recognition + recovery; excessive altitude loss / speed / secondary stall.
Std: entry altitude allows recovery no lower than 1,500 ft AGL; turning stalls at bank 15° ±5°; recover at first buffet / rapid control-effectiveness decay.
Obj: spin aerodynamics; gliders approved for spins by airworthiness category + type cert; configuration + weight + CG + control coordination effects; situations for unintentional spins; recognize + recover from imminent unintentional spins; entry + minimum entry altitude for intentional; control technique to maintain; orientation; recovery + minimum recovery altitude; anxiety in spin instruction.
Errors: spinning a non-approved glider; wrong config before entry; missed pre-spin indications; failure to stall during entry; wrong control inputs in entry/rotation/recovery; disorientation; spiral vs spin confusion; over-speed or accelerated stall on recovery; excessive altitude loss.
Std: demonstrate and simultaneously explain from an instructional standpoint (no numeric tolerance exists; spins appear only in the CFI PTS).
XIII.Emergency Operations F(at least one Task)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-9, -13; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: suitable landing-area selection; obstacles/hazards; wind estimation; approach planning + execution without altimeter; under-/overshoot compensation techniques.
Errors: bad airspeed; bad area selection; bad wind estimation; wrong pattern for situation; under- or overshoot.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Obj: location in glider; method of operation/use; servicing + storage; parachute inspection + fitting + use; gear for various climates + terrain.
Errors: none (knowledge-only Task)
Std: instructional knowledge.
XIV.Postflight Procedures F
Ref: FAA-H-8083-9; FAA-S-8081-22A, -23B; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: clear runway/landing area; taxi + engine shutdown if applicable; parking + securing; postflight inspection; refueling if applicable.
Errors: off-procedure handling; poor planning + judgment.
Std: demonstrate + teach to commercial-pilot tolerance.
Privileges, limitations, recent experience (§§61.19(d), 61.193, 61.195, 61.197, 61.199)
- §61.193, what a CFI-G may endorse (solo, recommendations, flight reviews, etc.)
- §61.195 limitations: max 8 hr of flight training in any 24 consecutive hours (a); must hold the category/class on both the instructor and pilot certificates (b); endorsement limitations incl. solo and flight review prerequisites (d)
- §61.197 recent experience: certificates issued on or after December 1, 2024 have no expiration date (§61.19(d)); to exercise privileges the instructor must have, within the preceding 24 calendar months: passed a flight instructor practical test, OR endorsed at least 5 practical-test applicants with at least an 80 percent first-attempt pass rate, OR served as a check pilot/chief instructor/check airman or equivalent evaluation duty, OR completed a FIRC within the preceding 3 calendar months, OR completed a military IP/examiner proficiency check, OR the WINGS option (15 WINGS activities evaluating at least 5 different pilots)
- §61.199 reinstatement: lapsed 3 months or less, a FIRC reinstates; more than 3 months, a flight instructor practical test
- Recordkeeping retention (3 years for student records; per-endorsement entries)
Pre-checkride checklist (reference)
- All required Tasks covered (I: Tasks E and F minimum; II: K plus at least one other; III, V, VI, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII: at least one Task each; IV: Task A; XIV: Task A; VII: at least one Task in the applicable launch kind plus at least one landing)
- Mock oral conducted by chief CFI
- Mock flight from both seats
- All endorsements current and consistent (AC 61-65)
- IACRA application reviewed
- Applicant's PTS checklist complete (PTS p.16): aircraft docs, maintenance records, POH, charts, plotter, AIM, photo ID, pilot certificate, AKTR, logbook with endorsements, FAA Form 8710-1
References (PTS p.7)
- 14 CFR parts 1, 23, 43, 61, 91; 49 CFR part 830
- AC 60-28 (FAA English language standard, AELS)
- AC 61-65 (Certification: Pilots, FIs, GIs)
- AC 61-67 (Stall and Spin Awareness)
- AC 61-94 (Self-launch transition)
- AC 61-98 (Flight review and currency guidance)
- AC 90-48 (Pilot's role in collision avoidance)
- AC 90-66 (Non-towered airport ops)
- FAA-H-8083-1 (W&B), -9B (Aviation Instructor's Handbook), -13B (Glider Flying Handbook), -25C (PHAK), -28B (Aviation Weather)
- FAA-S-8081-8C, CFI-G PTS
- FAA-S-8081-22A (Private Pilot PTS, Glider)
- FAA-S-8081-23B, Commercial Pilot PTS for Glider, defines the skill tolerances the CFI-G applicant must hit while teaching
- AIM, Chart Supplements, NOTAMs
- Glider POH and FAA-Approved Glider Flight Manual
Logbook endorsements to write
The syllabus tracks training completion. The FAA-recognized practical-test recommendation is a signed, legible logbook endorsement (paper or electronic per AC 120-78), with your CFI certificate number and recent-experience end date. Reference language is from AC 61-65 Appendix A, confirm against the current revision before signing.
"I certify that [student name], holder of pilot certificate [cert number], has received the required training of §61.187(b). I have determined that [he/she] is prepared for the Flight Instructor, Glider practical test."
The §61.39(a)(6) endorsements (AC 61-65K A.1, A.2: training within the preceding 2 calendar months plus AKTR deficiency review) are also required.
"I certify that [student name], holder of pilot certificate [cert number], has received the required training of §61.183(i). I have determined that [he/she] is competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin-recovery procedures."
One-time endorsement, signed by the CFI who provided the spin training, given in a glider certificated for spins (§61.183(i)). May predate the practical-test recommendation by years.
"I certify that [student name], holder of pilot certificate [cert number], has received the additional training as required by §61.49. I have determined that [he/she] is proficient to pass the [name of] knowledge test."
Only required if either the FOI or FIG knowledge test was failed and is being retaken.
Signature line note: RE is the recent-experience end date; use Exp. only on a pre-December-2024 certificate that still shows an expiration date.
Knowledge-test reports must be on hand at the practical (the FIG AKTR, plus the FOI AKTR if the FOI test was required), along with the student's pilot certificate, photo ID, FAA Form 8710-1 (or IACRA equivalent), and logbook with all endorsements above. The chief CFI's recommendation, if your school requires one, is a separate internal step.