Commercial Pilot Glider, Syllabus
Training reference outline for the Commercial Pilot, Glider Category practical test. Keyed to FAA-S-8081-23B.
Eligibility check (§§61.39, 61.123, 61.129(f))
- 18+, reads/speaks/writes English (FAA AELS, AC 60-28)
- Holds at least a private pilot certificate
- Commercial Pilot Glider knowledge test passed (current AKTR)
- 25 hours of flight time as a pilot in a glider, including 100 flights as PIC in a glider (§61.129(f)(1)); or the alternate path below
- 200 hours of flight time as a pilot in heavier-than-air aircraft plus 20 flights as PIC in a glider (§61.129(f)(2))
- 3 hours of flight training or 10 training flights in a glider with an authorized instructor on the §61.127(b)(6) areas (§61.129(f))
- At least 3 training flights with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test (§61.129(f); §61.39(a)(6) endorsement)
- Solo: 2 hours including at least 10 solo flights in a glider (25-hour path) or at least 5 solo flights in a glider (200-hour path), on the §61.127(b)(6) areas
- Practical-test recommendation endorsement from an authorized CFI (§61.39, §61.127)
Special Emphasis Areas (evaluated across the test)
- Positive aircraft control
- Positive exchange of flight controls
- Stall and spin awareness
- Collision avoidance / visual scanning
- Wake turbulence avoidance
- LAHSO
- Low-level windshear avoidance (MG emphasis)
- Runway incursion avoidance
- CFIT
- ADM and risk management (CRM/SRM)
- Checklist usage
- Spatial disorientation (MG emphasis)
- TFR / SUA
- Aviation security
- Wire-strike avoidance (MG emphasis)
I.Preflight Preparation G
Refs: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, 91; FAA-H-8083-13; FAA-H-8083-28; AIM; Glider Flight Manual; NOTAM.
Obj: pilot certificate privileges + limitations; recent flight experience incl. §61.31(j) launch-method endorsements; medical fitness; pilot logbook/records; airworthiness + registration; glider flight manual; W&B data + equipment list.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: required airworthiness items; AD compliance; maintenance/inspection requirements + records; inoperative instruments/equipment determination; special flight permit; method to determine glider is in airworthy condition.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: sources; reports/forecasts/charts; PIREPs/SIGMETs/AIRMETs; soaring weather (lapse, instability, thermal index, cloud formation + identification, fronts, breezes, orographic, mountain waves); thunderstorm hazards; go/no-go.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: at least five of: magnetic compass · yaw string / inclinometer · airspeed + altimeter · variometer + total-energy · gyros · electrical · gear + brakes · avionics · oxygen · high-lift + drag devices · powerplant/propeller (self-launch) · fuel/oil/hydraulic (self-launch); interprets instrument indications.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: W&B determination, within limits through all phases of flight; performance charts; density altitude + wind effects; performance airspeeds; airspeed to load-factor relationship; ballast management + performance effect; limitations vs required performance.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: at least four of: hypoxia · hyperventilation · middle ear/sinus · spatial disorientation · motion sickness · dehydration · CO (self-launch) · stress + fatigue · visual illusions; plus alcohol + drugs + OTC medications; evolved gas (scuba).
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
II.Preflight Procedures F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: assembly area + crew; checklist use; proper tools; component handling; clean + lubricate; accounts for all tools/parts after assembly; positive control check.
Std: assembles glider safely + verifies airworthiness for flight (may be oral if demonstration impractical).
Obj: proper handling equipment; crew positioning; control + canopy securing; placards; route + speed + obstruction awareness.
Std: moves glider safely without damage to it or surroundings.
Obj: systematic walk-around per checklist; structural + control + ballast inspection; towline + tow hitch + weak link + release inspection; oxygen system if applicable.
Std: identifies all required items; recognizes a discrepancy that affects airworthiness.
Obj: arrange + secure essentials; adjust safety belts, harness, pedals, seats, parachutes; brief occupants on emergencies + restraints.
Std: properly secures cockpit + briefs occupants.
Obj: pre-launch · launch · airborne · emergency signals, purpose + correct response; in-flight aerotow signals to and from the towplane.
Std: uses correct signal in each phase.
III.Airport and Gliderport Operations F
Refs: AIM; AC 90-66; FAA-H-8083-13, -25.
Obj: frequency selection; AIM phraseology; ATC clearances; comm-failure procedures; light-signal interpretation.
Std: demonstrates correct phraseology + complies with ATC instructions.
Obj: standard glider pattern entries; awareness of co-existing patterns; crossing designated points at appropriate altitudes; pre-landing checklist; airspeed + wind-drift; touchdown/stop-point selection; lift/sink/windshear corrections; flap/spoiler/brake planning.
Std: turn to final at bank ≤ 45°; flies a coordinated, properly-spaced pattern.
Obj: identify + interpret signs/markings/lighting + airport diagrams incl. hot spots; comply.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge; complies during operations.
IV.Launches and Landings F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual. Evaluator selects the kind of launch based on the applicant's qualifications; all Tasks for that launch kind are evaluated, plus all three landing Tasks (Q, R, S).
Aero tow
Obj: reasons for each item; agreed signals/speeds/wind/emergencies with crew; correct hitch; towline + release check; confirms no traffic conflict before launch; checklist.
Std: demonstrates safe operating condition + correct emergency briefing.
Obj: glider config + position; pre-launch + launch signals; directional control; crosswind technique; lift-off attitude + alignment with towplane; climbout.
Std: lifts off at appropriate airspeed; maintains alignment with towplane; manages crosswind.
Obj: high-tow + low-tow recognition + technique; transitions through the wake; turns on tow; over-/under-control.
Std: maintains correct vertical + lateral position; transitions cleanly between high and low tow.
Obj: situations producing slack; hazards; correction techniques.
Std: recognizes slack and applies immediate, positive, and smooth corrective action.
Obj: rectangular pattern just outside the wake; coordinated control; taut towline.
Std: performs box maneuver smoothly with positive control.
Obj: release with normal towline tension; clear of other aircraft; clearing turn; immediate-release situations.
Std: maintains high-tow position with normal tension; clears area; releases + confirms release; level or climbing turn.
Obj: response to towplane power loss on takeoff; towline break; towplane power failure at altitude; release failure (glider; glider + towplane, oral only); canopy opening in flight.
Std: demonstrates correct response to scenarios as required by evaluator.
Ground tow (auto or winch)
Obj: same logic as A above; appropriate hitch for ground tow; confirms no traffic conflict before launch.
Std: demonstrates safe operating condition + emergency briefing.
Obj: launch airspeed; signals; directional control; crosswind; pitch + groundtrack on climb; airspeed + porpoising correction; release.
Std: lifts off at proper airspeed; establishes proper initial climb pitch; takes prompt action for high/low/porpoising; releases properly.
Obj: overrunning the towline; towline break; release failure; over-/under-speeding; porpoising; canopy opening.
Std: demonstrates correct response as required by evaluator.
Self-launch
Obj: checklist; safety precautions; atmospheric effects; clearance; control of glider during start.
Std: accomplishes recommended starting procedure safely.
Obj: brake check; markings/signals/clearances; speed + direction; control positioning for wind; avoiding hazards.
Std: taxis safely without excessive use of brakes; avoids other aircraft + obstacles.
Obj: position; engine temps + pressures; airworthiness; review V-speeds + emergency procedures; checklist.
Std: ensures glider is in safe operating condition.
Obj: alignment; initial controls; power; directional control; crosswind technique; lift-off + climb attitude; airspeed; track on climb; checklist.
Std: rotates at recommended airspeed and accelerates to climb speed ±5 kt; maintains takeoff power to safe maneuvering altitude then sets climb power.
Obj: mfr power for cooling; appropriate airspeed; electrical setup; shutdown; feather/position/stow; static source.
Std: sets power for cooling; establishes appropriate airspeed; shuts down per mfr procedure.
Obj: partial/complete power failure or no-restart; smoke/fire; electrical malfunction; low fuel/oil pressure; overheat; canopy opening; engine restart.
Std: demonstrates correct response as required by evaluator.
Landings (all three Tasks evaluated)
Obj: obstacles/hazards; wind estimation; glidepath at recommended airspeed; flap/spoiler/brake use; coordinated controls + trim; crosswind technique; roundout + touchdown; directional control after touchdown.
Std: approach airspeed ±5 kt; touches down smoothly within designated area, no appreciable drift, axis aligned, stops short of and within 100 ft of designated point.
Obj: forward / side / turning slips with + without drag devices; obstacles + hazards; airspeed indication errors; control + crosswind technique; transition from slip to touchdown.
Std: establishes a slip without drag devices; maintains desired ground track + approach attitude; smooth recovery; touches down within designated area.
Obj: max wind for downwind; final-approach length vs normal; glidepath + airspeed; drag-device use; wind correction; roundout + touchdown.
Std: approach airspeed ±5 kt; uses proper downwind procedures; smooth roundout + touchdown; controlled rollout.
V.Performance Speeds F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: aerodynamic factors + use; establishment + maintenance.
Std: determines speed for situation; maintains ±5 kt.
Obj: factors driving speed-to-fly; use; establishment + maintenance.
Std: determines speed for situation; maintains ±5 kt.
VI.Soaring Techniques G/F(at least one Task; F if conditions permit)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; FAA-H-8083-28.
Obj: thermal recognition + entry; structure analysis + turn direction; coordinated control + planning to remain in lift; ground/wind/traffic orientation; airspeed in + between thermals; re-entry technique.
Std: recognizes thermal indications; maintains coordinated control to stay in lift; maintains proper airspeeds in and between thermals.
Obj: orographic-lift terrain + wind; height estimation; safe terrain distance; entry into lift; ridge approach + crossing; remains within glide of a landable area (GFH practice); weather changes.
Std: enters lift properly; maintains safe terrain clearance; re-enters lift if lost; proper ridge-crossing procedure; maintains proper airspeeds.
Obj: terrain + wx producing wave; entry; rotor + wave turbulence recognition; airspeeds; ATC coordination; high-altitude equipment + training.
Std: locates and enters area of lift; recognizes + avoids extreme turbulence; coordinates with ATC as appropriate.
VII.Performance Maneuvers F
Ref: FAA-H-8083-13.
Obj: pitch + airspeed; ground track to landmark; flap/spoiler/brake effect; smooth coordinated controls; trim.
Std: tracks toward prominent landmark; maintains heading ±10°, airspeed ±5 kt.
Obj: pitch + bank + airspeed relationship; roll-in + roll-out; lift/drag/load-factor changes; adverse yaw.
Std: maintains airspeed ±5 kt; rolls out on specified heading ±10°.
Obj: bank to load-factor to stall-speed relationship; overbanking tendency; entry airspeed; coordinated controls; entry + roll-out.
Std: 720° turn, bank 45°/±5°, airspeed ±5 kt, roll out on entry heading ±10°.
VIII.Navigation G(oral only)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13, -25; AIM; AC 61-134; 14 CFR part 91.
Obj: chart selection + use; course plotting + checkpoints; flight profile + go-ahead-point altitudes; lift sources + speeds within and between lift; landing-area selection; ATC coordination; for self-launch, fuel + range + engine factors.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: basic VFR weather minimums; airspace classes (A, B, C, D, E, G), dimensions, certification, equipment; SUA + other special airspace.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
IX.Slow Flight and Stalls F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; AC 61-67; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: establish + maintain target airspeed; configurations specified by evaluator; airspeed in turbulence + with bank; smooth coordinated controls; raising lowered wing; recovery to desired airspeed.
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; entry; coordinated controls; recovery.
Std: entry altitude allows recovery no lower than 1,500 ft AGL; turning stalls at bank 15°/±5°; recovers at first buffet or rapid control-effectiveness decay.
X.Emergency Operations F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: suitable landing-area selection; obstacles/hazards; wind estimation; approach planning + execution without altimeter; under-/overshoot compensation.
Std: performs simulated off-airport landing without use of an altimeter.
Obj: location in glider; method of operation/use; servicing + storage; parachute inspection + fitting; gear for various climates + terrain.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
XI.Postflight Procedures F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: clear runway; taxi + engine shutdown if applicable; parking selection considering wind + safety; servicing; securing; postflight inspection; checklist.
Std: properly secures glider; performs satisfactory postflight inspection.
Pre-checkride checklist (reference)
- All Tasks covered: evaluator selects the kind of launch based on the applicant's qualifications; all Tasks for that launch kind are evaluated, plus all three landing Tasks (Q, R, S)
- Mock oral conducted
- Mock flight
- All endorsements current and consistent (AC 61-65)
- IACRA application reviewed
- Applicant's PTS checklist complete (aircraft docs, maintenance records, POH, charts, plotter, AIM, photo ID, pilot certificate, AKTR, logbook with endorsements, FAA Form 8710-1)
Logbook endorsements to write
The FAA-recognized practical-test recommendation is a signed logbook or training-record endorsement (paper in ink, or electronic per AC 120-78), with the CFI's signature, certificate number, and expiration 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 in accordance with §§61.127 and 61.129. I have determined that [he/she] is prepared for the Commercial Pilot, Glider practical test."
"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 Commercial Pilot, Glider [knowledge/practical] test."
Only required if the Commercial Pilot Glider knowledge or practical test was failed and is being retaken.
AKTR, photo ID, pilot certificate, FAA Form 8710-1 (or IACRA equivalent), and logbook with all endorsements must be on hand at the practical test.