Private Pilot Glider Syllabus

Internal training checklist for the Private Pilot — Glider Category practical test. Keyed to FAA-S-8081-22.

Training Record

Sources: FAA-S-8081-22 (Private Pilot PTS — Glider) · 14 CFR §§61.103 (eligibility), 61.105 (knowledge), 61.107 (proficiency), 61.109(f) (aeronautical experience).

Per-Task layout: Obj = elements the applicant must demonstrate. Std = completion standard. Where the PTS gives explicit numeric tolerances, they're inlined; otherwise the standard is "smooth, coordinated, proper" per the FAA's qualitative phrasing.

Note: this syllabus is keyed to the published FAA-S-8081-22 PTS structure. Tolerances reflect the private-pilot standard (typically wider than commercial, e.g. ±10 kt vs ±5 kt). Verify the specific Tasks selected by your evaluator against the current revision of the PTS.

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 for 1 year per §61.87(b))
  • Solo flight endorsement (§61.87) and 90-day currency confirmed
  • 10 hours total time in a glider and 20 launches/landings — or 40 hours total flight time in heavier-than-air aircraft + 3 hours glider + 10 launches/landings as PIC of a glider (§61.109(f))
  • 2 hours solo flight in a glider with at least 10 launches/landings as PIC
  • 3 hours flight training in a glider with an authorized instructor in the previous 60 days, including at least 3 training flights
  • Practical-test recommendation endorsement from an authorized CFI (§61.39, §61.107)
Verify §61.109(f) experience requirements against the current FAR — there are two distinct paths (the 10-hour glider path and the 40-hour airplane + 3-hour glider path). Ground-launch substitutions for aerotow apply at defined rates.

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 + 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(at least one Task)

Refs: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, 91; FAA-H-8083-13; FAA-H-8083-28; AIM; Glider Flight Manual.

Obj: pilot certificate privileges + limitations; airworthiness + registration; glider flight manual; maintenance/inspection requirements.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

Obj: airworthiness items; method to determine glider is in airworthy condition.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

Obj: sources; reports/forecasts; soaring weather basics (lift, instability, fronts, sea/land breezes); go/no-go.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

Obj: compass · yaw string / inclinometer · airspeed + altimeter · variometer · electrical · gear + brakes · oxygen.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

Obj: W&B determination; performance airspeeds + uses; airspeed–load-factor relationship; density altitude effects; limitations.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

Obj: hypoxia · hyperventilation · spatial disorientation · motion sickness · alcohol + drugs · dehydration · stress + fatigue · visual illusions.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

II.Preflight Procedures F(at least one Task)

Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.

Obj: assembly area + crew; checklist use; component handling; clean + lubricate; positive control check.

Std: assembles glider safely; verifies airworthiness.

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 + towline + release inspection.

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. Emergency portion may be evaluated orally.

III.Airport and Gliderport Operations F(at least one Task)

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; 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. Examiner picks launch type per applicant qualifications and selects at least one Task per launch group + at least one landing.

Aero tow

Obj: reasons for each item; agreed signals/speeds/wind/emergencies; correct hitch; towline + release check; 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: recognises slack and applies immediate, positive, smooth corrective action.

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; release failure; canopy opening.

Std: demonstrates correct response as required by examiner.

Ground tow (auto or winch)

Obj: same logic as A; appropriate hitch for ground tow.

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; canopy opening.

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 kt.

Obj: in-flight shutdown procedures; partial/complete power failure; smoke/fire; electrical malfunction; fuel/oil pressure issues; canopy opening.

Std: demonstrates correct response.

Landings (at least one Task)

Obj: obstacles/hazards; wind estimation; glidepath at recommended airspeed; flap/spoiler/brake use; coordinated controls; crosswind technique; roundout + touchdown.

Std: approach airspeed ±5 kt; touches down within designated area, no appreciable drift, axis aligned, stops within 200 ft of designated point.

Obj: forward / side slips; recognising when to slip; control + crosswind technique; transition from slip to touchdown.

Std: establishes a slip; 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; controlled rollout.

X51 emphasis: 200 ft AGL rope-break rule (land straight ahead below; 180° turn-back permissible above); Runway 09/27 grass surface; no go-around once committed.

V.Performance Speeds F(at least one Task)

Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.

Obj: aerodynamic factors + use; establishment + maintenance.

Std: determines speed for situation; maintains ±10 kt.

Obj: aerodynamic basis; use for distance + final-glide planning.

Std: maintains best L/D speed ±10 kt.

VI.Soaring Techniques G/F(at least one Task; F if conditions permit)

Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; AC 00-6.

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(at least one Task)

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°.

VIII.Navigation G(oral)

Refs: FAA-H-8083-13, -25; AIM.

Obj: chart selection + use; course plotting + checkpoints; flight profile + 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); SUA + other special airspace.

Std: demonstrates aeronautical knowledge.

IX.Slow Flight and Stalls F(at least one Task)

Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; AC 61-67.

Obj: establish + maintain target airspeed; smooth coordinated controls; raising lowered wing; recovery to desired airspeed.

Std: straight: heading ±10°. Turns: desired bank ±10°.

Obj: stall aerodynamics; situations for unintentional stalls; first-indication recognition; entry; coordinated controls; recovery.

Std: entry altitude allows recovery no lower than 1,500 ft AGL; recovers at first buffet or rapid control-effectiveness decay.

X.Emergency Operations F(at least one Task)

Refs: FAA-H-8083-13; Glider Flight Manual.

Obj: suitable landing-area selection; obstacles/hazards; wind estimation; approach planning + execution without altimeter.

Std: performs simulated off-airport landing without use of altimeter.

Obj: location in glider; method of operation; servicing + storage; parachute inspection + fitting.

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 completion gate

  • All required Tasks signed off (one minimum per Area; one per launch group + one landing in IV)
  • 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, AKTR, logbook with endorsements, FAA Form 8710-1)

Logbook endorsements to write

The syllabus tracks training completion. The FAA-recognised practical-test recommendation is a logbook entry in ink, signed by the CFI with their certificate number and expiration date. Reference language is from AC 61-65 Appendix A — confirm against the current revision before signing.

Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge — §61.87(b) (if applicable, before first solo)

"I certify that [student name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of §61.87(b) for the [make and model]."

— [CFI signature]  [CFI cert #]  Exp [mm/dd/yyyy]  [Date]
Pre-solo flight training — §61.87(c)(1)

"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."

— [CFI signature]  [CFI cert #]  Exp [mm/dd/yyyy]  [Date]
Solo flight (each 90-day period) — §61.87(n)

"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]."

— [CFI signature]  [CFI cert #]  Exp [mm/dd/yyyy]  [Date]
Aeronautical knowledge test — §61.35(a)(1), §61.103(d), §61.105

"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."

— [CFI signature]  [CFI cert #]  Exp [mm/dd/yyyy]  [Date]
Practical-test recommendation — §61.39, §61.107, §61.109

"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."

— [CFI signature]  [CFI cert #]  Exp [mm/dd/yyyy]  [Date]

AKTR, photo ID, FAA Form 8710-1 (or IACRA equivalent), and logbook with all endorsements must be on hand at the practical test.

Instructor's training record (§61.189(a))

I, the named CFI, certify that I have personally given [student] the ground and flight training tracked in the items checked above. This is my §61.189(a) instructor's record of training given — retained per FAA requirement.

This is not the §61.39 practical-test recommendation. The FAA-recognised endorsements live in the student's logbook, in ink, with my certificate number and expiration date — see the reference panel above for the canonical text.

Drawing a signature is optional — print without it for an interim copy.

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