Private Pilot Glider, Syllabus
Training reference outline for the Private Pilot, Glider Category practical test. Keyed to FAA-S-8081-22A.
Eligibility check (§§61.39, 61.103, 61.109(f))
- 16+, reads/speaks/writes English (FAA AELS, AC 60-28). No medical certificate required for glider operation.
- Private Pilot Glider knowledge test passed (current AKTR)
- Pre-solo written test administered (Miami Gliders local form, retained at least 3 years per §61.189(c))
- Solo flight endorsement (§61.87) and 90-day currency confirmed
- 10 hours flight time in a glider including 20 glider flights (§61.109(f)(1)), or 40 hours total in heavier-than-air aircraft + 3 hours in gliders including 10 solo flights in a glider (§61.109(f)(2))
- 2 hours solo flight in a glider with at least 10 launches/landings as PIC
- At least 3 training flights with an authorized instructor in a glider in preparation for the practical, within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test (§61.109(f); §61.39(a)(6) endorsement)
- Practical-test recommendation endorsement from an authorized CFI (§61.39, §61.107)
Instructor emphasis (Miami Gliders) (evaluated across the test)
FAA-S-8081-22A does not enumerate a special-emphasis list; these are Miami Gliders instructor emphasis items.
- Positive aircraft control
- Positive exchange of flight controls
- Stall and spin awareness
- Collision avoidance / visual scanning
- Wake turbulence + low-level windshear avoidance
- Runway incursion avoidance
- CFIT
- ADM and risk management
- Checklist usage
- Spatial disorientation
- TFR / SUA
- Wire-strike avoidance
I.Preflight Preparation G
Refs: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, 91; FAA-H-8083-13; FAA-H-8083-28; AIM; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: pilot certificate privileges + limitations; medical fitness (no medical certificate required per §61.23(b); do not fly with a known medical deficiency); §61.31(j) launch-method endorsements (aerotow, ground tow, self-launch); pilot logbook or flight records; airworthiness + registration certificates; operating limitations, placards, instrument markings; W&B data + equipment list; glider flight manual; maintenance/inspection requirements, ADs + compliance records; method to determine the glider is in airworthy condition.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: sources; reports/forecasts; contents of a standard briefing + soaring forecast; soaring weather basics (lift, instability, thermal index, fronts, sea/land breezes); thunderstorm hazards; go/no-go.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: compass · yaw string / inclinometer · airspeed + altimeter · variometer + total-energy compensators · gyroscopic instruments · electrical · gear + brakes · avionics · high-lift + drag devices (spoilers / dive brakes) · oxygen.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge; correctly interprets instrument indications.
Obj: W&B determination; performance charts + tables; ballast management + its effect on performance; performance airspeeds + uses; airspeed to load-factor relationship; density altitude effects; limitations.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective action of at least three of: hypoxia · hyperventilation · middle ear + sinus problems · spatial disorientation · motion sickness · carbon monoxide poisoning (self-launch) · stress + fatigue · dehydration + heatstroke · visual illusions. Plus alcohol + drugs (incl. OTC) and evolved gas from scuba diving.
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. May be evaluated orally if a demonstration is impractical.
Obj: handling equipment; crew positioning; control + canopy securing; route + speed + obstruction awareness.
Std: moves glider safely.
Obj: systematic walk-around per checklist; structural + control + ballast inspection; launch equipment incl. towline, tow hitches, weak links, release mechanism.
Std: identifies all required items; recognizes a discrepancy that affects airworthiness.
Obj: arrange + secure essentials; safety belts, harness, pedals, seats, parachutes; brief occupants.
Std: properly secures cockpit + briefs occupants.
Obj: pre-launch · launch · airborne · emergency signals, purpose + correct response.
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; comm-failure procedures; light signals.
Std: demonstrates correct phraseology + complies with ATC instructions.
Obj: standard glider pattern entries; awareness of co-existing patterns; crossing designated points at appropriate altitudes; touchdown + stop point selection; prompt glidepath/track correction for lift, sink, or wind changes; pre-landing checklist; airspeed + drift correction; flap/spoiler/brake planning.
Std: turn to final at bank ≤ 45°; flies a coordinated, properly-spaced pattern.
Obj: identify + interpret signs/markings/lighting + 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 per the applicant's qualifications; all Tasks of that launch kind are evaluated, plus all three landing Tasks (Downwind Landing may be evaluated orally).
Aero tow
Obj: reasons for each item; agreed signals/speeds/wind/emergencies; correct hitch; towline + release check; ensures no conflict with traffic prior to takeoff; checklist.
Std: demonstrates safe operating condition + correct emergency briefing.
Obj: glider config + position; signals; directional control; crosswind technique; lift-off attitude; alignment with towplane.
Std: lifts off at appropriate airspeed; maintains alignment; manages crosswind.
Obj: high-tow + low-tow recognition + technique; transitions; turns on tow; over-/under-control.
Std: maintains correct vertical + lateral position; transitions cleanly.
Obj: situations producing slack; hazards; correction techniques.
Std: recognizes slack and applies immediate, positive, smooth corrective action.
Obj: maneuvering around the towplane wake; flies a rectangular box pattern slightly outside the wake while on tow, announced to the tow pilot.
Std: maintains proper control, coordination, and position through each leg.
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; level or climbing turn.
Obj: response to towplane power loss on takeoff; towline break; towplane power failure at altitude; glider release failure; glider and towplane release failure (oral only).
Std: demonstrates correct response as required by the evaluator.
Ground tow (auto or winch)
Obj: same logic as A; appropriate hitch for ground tow; ensures no conflict with traffic prior to takeoff.
Std: demonstrates safe operating condition + emergency briefing.
Obj: launch airspeed; signals; directional control; crosswind; pitch + groundtrack on climb; airspeed correction; release.
Std: lifts off at proper airspeed; establishes proper climb pitch; correct release procedure.
Obj: overrunning the towline; towline break; release failure; over-/under-speeding; porpoising.
Std: demonstrates correct response as required.
Self-launch (if applicable)
Obj: checklist; safety precautions; clearance; control of glider during start.
Std: accomplishes recommended starting procedure safely.
Obj: brake check; markings/signals/clearances; speed + direction; control positioning for wind.
Std: taxis safely without excessive use of brakes.
Obj: position; engine temps + pressures; airworthiness; emergency procedures review; checklist.
Std: ensures glider is in safe operating condition.
Obj: alignment; initial controls; power; directional control; crosswind technique; lift-off + climb attitude; airspeed.
Std: rotates at recommended airspeed and accelerates to climb speed +10/-5 knots.
Obj: in-flight engine shutdown procedures.
Std: sets power for engine cooling; establishes appropriate airspeed; sets electrical equipment; feathers or positions and stows the propeller, as applicable; selects proper static source; uses checklist.
Obj: partial or complete power failure; failure to gain a restart; fire or smoke; electrical malfunction; low fuel pressure; low oil pressure; engine overheat; canopy opening in flight; engine restart in flight.
Std: demonstrates correct response as required.
Landings (all three Tasks; Downwind Landing may be evaluated orally)
Obj: obstacles/hazards; wind estimation; glidepath at recommended airspeed; flap/spoiler/brake use; coordinated controls; crosswind technique; roundout + touchdown.
Std: maintains recommended approach airspeed, +10/-5 knots; touches down within designated area, no appreciable drift, axis aligned, stops short of and within 200 ft of the designated point (light to medium braking at most).
Obj: forward, side, and turning slips, with and without drag devices; recognizing when to slip; control + crosswind technique; transition from slip to touchdown.
Std: establishes a slip without the use of 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.
Std: approach airspeed ±5 kt; uses proper downwind procedures; maintains directional control during touchdown + rollout; applies brakes smoothly to a stop.
V.Performance Airspeeds F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: aerodynamic factors + use; establishment + maintenance.
Std: determines speed for situation; maintains ±5 kt.
Obj: speed-to-fly + its uses; selecting inter-thermal speed for sink + headwind; best L/D as one case.
Std: determines the speed-to-fly for the situation; maintains it ±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; coordinated control + planning to remain in lift; ground/wind/traffic orientation; airspeeds in + between thermals.
Std: recognizes thermal indications; maintains coordinated control to stay in lift.
Obj: orographic-lift terrain + wind; height estimation; safe terrain distance; ridge approach + crossing; gliding distance.
Std: enters area of lift properly; maintains safe distance from terrain.
Obj: terrain + wx producing wave; entry; rotor + wave turbulence recognition; ATC coordination; high-altitude equipment.
Std: locates and enters lift; recognizes + avoids extreme turbulence.
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 ±10 kt.
Obj: pitch + bank + airspeed relationship; roll-in + roll-out; lift/drag/load-factor changes; adverse yaw.
Std: maintains airspeed ±10 kt; rolls out on specified heading ±10°.
Obj: load factor + its effect on stall speed; overbanking tendency; establishes recommended entry airspeed.
Std: bank 45° ±5°, smooth coordinated control; airspeed ±10 kt; recovers within 10° of desired heading.
VIII.Navigation G(oral)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13, -25; AIM.
Obj: chart selection + use; course plotting + checkpoints; flight profile with minimum flight altitudes at go-ahead points; lift sources; landing-area selection; ATC coordination.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: basic VFR weather minimums; airspace classes (A, B, C, D, E, G): dimensions, pilot certification, + glider equipment requirements per class (incl. transponder §91.215 + ADS-B §91.225 with the glider exceptions); SUA + other special airspace.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
IX.Slow Flight and Stalls F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; AC 61-67.
Obj: establishes + maintains the airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack or change in configuration results in a stall; straight + turning flight in various configurations + bank angles; adjusts airspeed for turbulence + increasing bank; smooth coordinated controls; avoids stalls when raising a lowered wing.
Std: straight: heading ±10°. Turns: desired bank ±10°.
Obj: stall aerodynamics; situations for unintentional stalls; first-indication recognition; entry; coordinated controls; recovery.
Std: stalls in straight + turning flight, with + without drag devices; bank up to 15° ±10° in turns; entry altitude allows completion no lower than 1,500 ft AGL; recovers at the stall.
X.Emergency Operations G(knowledge only per the 22A)
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: selecting a suitable landing area; procedures used to accomplish an off-airport landing.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
Obj: location in glider; method of operation or use; servicing + storage; parachute inspection, fitting, and use; equipment + gear appropriate for various climates + terrain.
Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.
XI.Postflight Procedures F
Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.
Obj: clear runway; parking selection; servicing; securing; postflight inspection; checklist.
Std: properly secures glider; performs satisfactory postflight inspection.
Pre-checkride checklist (reference)
- All Tasks in every Area covered (launch group per evaluator selection in IV; soaring task per conditions in VI)
- 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 + GFM, current charts, computer + plotter, flight plan + flight log forms, AIM + Chart Supplements, photo ID, pilot certificate, AKTR, logbook with endorsements, FAA Form 8710-1, FAA Form 8060-5 if a retest, evaluator's fee if applicable)
Logbook endorsements to write
The FAA-recognized practical-test recommendation is a signed logbook endorsement (ink or compliant electronic per AC 61-65) with the CFI's 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] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of §61.87(b) for the [make and model]."
"I certify that [student name] has received and logged pre-solo flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the [make and model]. I have determined [he/she] has demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by §61.87(c)(1) in this make and model."
"I certify that [student name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined [he/she] meets the applicable requirements of §61.87(n) and is proficient to make solo flights in [make and model]."
"I certify that [student name] has received the required training of §61.105. I have determined [he/she] is prepared for the Private Pilot, Glider knowledge test."
"I certify that [student name] has received the required training in accordance with §§61.107 and 61.109. I have determined that [he/she] is prepared for the Private Pilot, Glider practical test."
AKTR, photo ID, FAA Form 8710-1 (or IACRA equivalent), and logbook with all endorsements must be on hand at the practical test.