Front Matter

Glider Flying Handbook U.S. Department of Transportation FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Flight Standards Service 2024

Preface

The Glider Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for glider category rating and for currently certificated glider pilots who wish to improve their knowledge. Certificated flight instructors will find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aeronautical decision-making, components and systems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, performance limitations, ground operations, flight maneuvers, traffic patterns, emergencies, soaring weather, soaring techniques, and cross-country flight is included. Topics such as radio navigation and communication, use of flight information publications, and regulations are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.

The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles. Occasionally, the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Persons working towards a glider rating are advised to review the references from the applicable practical test standards. Resources for study include FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge; FAA-H-8083-2, Risk Management Handbook; and FAA-H-8083-28, Aviation Weather Handbook, as these documents contain basic material not duplicated herein. All beginning applicants should refer to FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, for study and basic library reference.

It is essential for persons using this handbook to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available on the FAA website. The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and learning statements for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the FAA website.

This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-13A, Glider Flying Handbook, dated 2013.

This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from the FAA website.

This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, General Aviation & Commercial Division, Training & Certification Group (AFS-810), Testing Standards Section, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

Comments regarding this publication should be emailed to AFS630comments@faa.gov.

Acknowledgments

The Glider Flying Handbook was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA wishes to acknowledge the following contributors:

Sue Telford of Telford Fishing & Hunting Services for images used in Chapter 1.

JerryZieba (www.dianasailplanes.com) for images used in Chapter 2.

Tim Mara (www.wingsandwheels.com) for images used in Chapters 2 and 12.

Uli Kremer of Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co for images used in Chapter 2.

Richard Lancaster (www.carrotworks.com) for images and content used in Chapter 3.

Dave Nadler of Nadler & Associates for images used in Chapter 6.

Dave McConeghey for images used in Chapter 6.

John Brandon (www.raa.asn.au) for images and content used in Chapter 7.

Patrick Panzera (www.contactmagazine.com) for images used in Chapter 8.

Jeff Haby (www.theweatherprediction) for images used in Chapter 8.

National Soaring Museum (www.soaringmuseum.org) for content used in Chapter 9.

Bill Elliot (www.soaringcafe.com) for images used in Chapter 12.

Tiffany Fidler for images used in Chapter 12.

Phil Klauder, Philadelphia Glider Council, for assistance with graphics revisions and review input. Additional appreciation is extended to the Soaring Society of America, Inc. (www.ssa.com), the Soaring Safety Foundation, and Mr. Brad Temeyer and Mr. Bill Martin from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for their technical support and input.

• Table of Contents
• Chapter 1: Gliders & Sailplanes

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................1-1

Glider Pilot Training .....................................................................................................................................1-2

Rating Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................1-3

Medical Eligibility ......................................................................................................................................1-3

FAA Wings Program .................................................................................................................................1-3

Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................................1-3

Chapter 2: Components & Systems

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................2-1

Glider Design ...........................................................................................................................................2-1

The Fuselage ..............................................................................................................................................2-1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................2-1

Ailerons ....................................................................................................................................................2-1

Lift/Drag Devices ......................................................................................................................................2-2

Empennage .................................................................................................................................................2-3

Towhook Devices ........................................................................................................................................2-5

Powerplant ..................................................................................................................................................2-5

Self-Launching Gliders .............................................................................................................................2-5

Gliders with Sustainer Engines ................................................................................................................2-6

Landing Gear ..............................................................................................................................................2-6

Wheel Brakes ...........................................................................................................................................2-8

Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................................2-8

Chapter 3: Aerodynamics of Flight

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................3-1

Forces of Flight ........................................................................................................................................3-1

Lift ............................................................................................................................................................3-2

Lift Formula ..............................................................................................................................................3-2

Drag .........................................................................................................................................................3-3

Ground Effect ...........................................................................................................................................3-5

Weight ......................................................................................................................................................3-5

Thrust .......................................................................................................................................................3-5

Unpowered Glide Vector Analysis ...............................................................................................................3-5

Glide Ratio & Wing Design ..........................................................................................................................3-6

Wing Planform .........................................................................................................................................3-6

Aspect Ratio .............................................................................................................................................3-6

Winglets ...................................................................................................................................................3-7

Washout ...................................................................................................................................................3-7

Stability ........................................................................................................................................................3-7

Lateral Stability ........................................................................................................................................3-9

Flutter .....................................................................................................................................................3-10

Pilot Induced Oscillation (PIO) ..................................................................................................................3-10

Turning Flight ............................................................................................................................................3-10

Load Factor ............................................................................................................................................ 3-11

Rate of Turn ...........................................................................................................................................3-12

Radius of Turn ........................................................................................................................................3-12

Turn Coordination ..................................................................................................................................3-13

Slips ..........................................................................................................................................................3-13

Forward Slip ...........................................................................................................................................3-13

Sideslip ..................................................................................................................................................3-14

Stalls .........................................................................................................................................................3-14

Spins .........................................................................................................................................................3-15

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................3-16

Chapter 4: Flight Instruments

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................4-1

Pitot-Static Instruments ...............................................................................................................................4-1

Impact & Static Pressure Lines ................................................................................................................4-1

Airspeed Indicator ....................................................................................................................................4-2

Airspeed Indicator Markings ....................................................................................................................4-5

Effect of Altitude on VNE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-6

Other Airspeed Limitations .......................................................................................................................4-6

Altimeter ...................................................................................................................................................4-7

Types of Altitude .......................................................................................................................................4-9

Variometer .............................................................................................................................................. 4-11

Electronic Flight Computers ......................................................................................................................4-17

Magnetic Compass ...................................................................................................................................4-18

Slip/Skid Indicators ....................................................................................................................................4-18

Yaw String ..............................................................................................................................................4-18

Inclinometer ...........................................................................................................................................4-19

Gyroscopic Instruments ............................................................................................................................4-20

G-Meter .....................................................................................................................................................4-20

FLARM Collision Avoidance System .........................................................................................................4-20

Transponder Code ....................................................................................................................................4-21

Definitions ..............................................................................................................................................4-21

Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Gauge .....................................................................................................4-22

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................4-22

Chapter 5: Glider Performance

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................5-1

Variable Performance Factors .....................................................................................................................5-1

Density Altitude ........................................................................................................................................5-1

Wind .........................................................................................................................................................5-3

Weight ......................................................................................................................................................5-7

Rate of Climb ..............................................................................................................................................5-9

Flight Manuals & Placards ..........................................................................................................................5-9

Placards ...................................................................................................................................................5-9

Performance Information .......................................................................................................................5-10

Glider Polars ..........................................................................................................................................5-10

Limitations ..............................................................................................................................................5-13

Weight & Balance ......................................................................................................................................5-14

Weight & Balance Information................................................................................................................5-14

Center of Gravity ....................................................................................................................................5-14

Sample Weight & Balance Problems .....................................................................................................5-15

Ballast .......................................................................................................................................................5-17

Trim Ballast ............................................................................................................................................5-17

Performance Ballast ...............................................................................................................................5-17

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................5-19

Chapter 6: Preflight & Ground Operations

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................6-1

Assembly & Storage ....................................................................................................................................6-1

Trailering ..................................................................................................................................................6-2

Tiedown & Securing .................................................................................................................................6-2

Water Ballast ............................................................................................................................................6-3

Ground Handling ......................................................................................................................................6-3

Launch Equipment Inspection..................................................................................................................6-4

Glider Preflight Inspection ........................................................................................................................6-8

Prelaunch Checklist .................................................................................................................................6-8

Glider Care ................................................................................................................................................6-10

Preventive Maintenance ........................................................................................................................6-10

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................6-10

Chapter 7: Launch, Flight Maneuvers, Landing, & Recovery Procedures

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................7-1

Aerotow Takeoff Procedures .......................................................................................................................7-1

Signals .....................................................................................................................................................7-1

Takeoff Procedures & Techniques............................................................................................................7-3

Pilot Induced Oscillations (PIOs) During Launch ..................................................................................... 7-8

Common Errors ......................................................................................................................................7-10

Aerotow Climb-Out ................................................................................................................................. 7-11

Slack Line ..............................................................................................................................................7-14

Boxing the Wake ....................................................................................................................................7-15

Aerotow Release ....................................................................................................................................7-16

Ground Launch Takeoff Procedures..........................................................................................................7-17

CG Hooks ..............................................................................................................................................7-17

Signals ...................................................................................................................................................7-18

Tow Speeds ...........................................................................................................................................7-19

Automobile Launch ................................................................................................................................7-20

Winch Launch ........................................................................................................................................7-21

Crosswind Takeoff & Climb ....................................................................................................................7-22

Normal Into-the-Wind Launch ................................................................................................................7-24

Self-Launch Procedures ............................................................................................................................7-25

Preparation & Engine Start ....................................................................................................................7-25

Taxiing ....................................................................................................................................................7-26

Pretakeoff Check....................................................................................................................................7-26

Normal Takeoff .......................................................................................................................................7-27

PIOs in Self-Launching Gliders ..............................................................................................................7-27

Crosswind Takeoff ..................................................................................................................................7-28

Climb-Out & Engine Shutdown Procedures ........................................................................................... 7-29

Gliderport/Airport Traffic Patterns & Operations ........................................................................................ 7-31

Normal Approach & Landing ..................................................................................................................7-33

Pilot Induced Pitch Oscillations During Landing .................................................................................... 7-36

Forward Slip ...........................................................................................................................................7-36

Sideslip ..................................................................................................................................................7-36

Crosswind Landing ................................................................................................................................7-37

Downwind Landing .................................................................................................................................7-38

Landing a Self-Launching Glider............................................................................................................7-39

Nosewheel Glider Oscillations During Launches & Landings ................................................................ 7-39

Tailwheel/Tailskid Equipped Glider Oscillations During Launches & Landings ...................................... 7-40

After Landing & Securing .......................................................................................................................7-40

Performance Maneuvers ...........................................................................................................................7-41

Straight Glides .......................................................................................................................................7-41

Turns ......................................................................................................................................................7-41

Slow Flight .............................................................................................................................................7-45

Stall Recognition & Recovery ................................................................................................................7-46

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................7-50

Chapter 8: Abnormal & Emergency Procedures

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................8-1

Aerotow Abnormal & Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................. 8-1

Environmental Factors .............................................................................................................................8-1

Pilot Error .................................................................................................................................................8-1

Mechanical Failures .................................................................................................................................8-2

Slack Line ................................................................................................................................................8-7

Ground Launch Abnormal & Emergency Procedures ................................................................................. 8-8

Abnormal Procedures ..............................................................................................................................8-8

Emergency Procedures ...........................................................................................................................8-9

Self-Launch Takeoff Emergency Procedures ......................................................................................... 8-10

Spiral Dives ...............................................................................................................................................8-10

Spins .........................................................................................................................................................8-10

Entry Phase ...........................................................................................................................................8-12

Incipient Phase ......................................................................................................................................8-12

Developed Phase ...................................................................................................................................8-12

Recovery Phase .....................................................................................................................................8-12

Off-Field Landing Procedures ...................................................................................................................8-13

Afterlanding Off Field .............................................................................................................................8-16

System & Equipment Malfunctions ...........................................................................................................8-16

Flight Instrument Malfunctions ...............................................................................................................8-16

Glider Canopy Malfunctions ...................................................................................................................8-17

Water Ballast Malfunctions.....................................................................................................................8-18

Retractable Landing Gear Malfunctions................................................................................................. 8-18

Primary Flight Control Systems .............................................................................................................8-18

Secondary Flight Controls Systems .......................................................................................................8-20

Miscellaneous Flight System Malfunctions ............................................................................................... 8-21

Towhook Malfunctions ............................................................................................................................8-21

Oxygen System Malfunctions ................................................................................................................8-21

Drogue Chute Malfunctions ...................................................................................................................8-21

Self-Launching Gliders ..............................................................................................................................8-22

Inability to Restart a Self-Launching/Sustainer Glider Engine While Airborne ....................................... 8-22

Self-Launching Glider Propeller Malfunctions ........................................................................................ 8-23

Self-Launching Glider Electrical System Malfunctions ........................................................................... 8-23

Inflight Fire .............................................................................................................................................8-24

Emergency Equipment & Survival Gear .................................................................................................... 8-25

Survival Gear Checklists ........................................................................................................................8-25

Food & Water .........................................................................................................................................8-25

Clothing ..................................................................................................................................................8-25

Communication ......................................................................................................................................8-25

Navigation Equipment ............................................................................................................................8-26

Medical Equipment ................................................................................................................................8-26

Stowage .................................................................................................................................................8-26

Parachute ...............................................................................................................................................8-26

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................8-26

Chapter 9: Glider Flight & Weather

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................9-1

The Atmosphere ..........................................................................................................................................9-1

Composition .............................................................................................................................................9-2

Atmospheric Measurements ....................................................................................................................9-2

Ideal Gas Law ..........................................................................................................................................9-3

Standard Atmosphere ..............................................................................................................................9-3

Layers of the Atmosphere ........................................................................................................................9-4

Scale of Weather Events .............................................................................................................................9-5

Thermals .....................................................................................................................................................9-6

Thermal Shape & Structure .....................................................................................................................9-6

Air Masses Conducive to Thermal Soaring ............................................................................................... 9-10

Cloud Streets ......................................................................................................................................... 9-11

Cloud Streets ......................................................................................................................................... 9-11

Thunderstorms .......................................................................................................................................9-12

Weather for Slope Soaring ........................................................................................................................9-15

Mountain Waves ....................................................................................................................................9-18

Mechanism for Wave Formation ............................................................................................................9-19

Convergence Lift ....................................................................................................................................9-23

Obtaining Weather Information .................................................................................................................9-25

Preflight Weather Briefing ......................................................................................................................9-25

Weather-Related Information .................................................................................................................9-27

Interpreting Weather Charts, Reports, & Forecasts .................................................................................. 9-27

Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................................9-27

Chapter 10: Soaring Techniques

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................10-1

Thermal Soaring ........................................................................................................................................10-1

Inside a Thermal ....................................................................................................................................10-6

Collision Avoidance ..............................................................................................................................10-10

Exiting a Thermal ................................................................................................................................. 10-11

Managing Expectations ........................................................................................................................10-12

Ridge/Slope Soaring ...............................................................................................................................10-12

Traps ....................................................................................................................................................10-13

Procedures for Safe Flying ..................................................................................................................10-15

Bowls & Spurs ......................................................................................................................................10-16

Slope Lift & Thermalling .......................................................................................................................10-17

Obstructions .........................................................................................................................................10-18

Tips & Techniques ................................................................................................................................10-18

Wave Soaring ..........................................................................................................................................10-21

Preflight Preparation ............................................................................................................................10-21

Getting into the Wave...........................................................................................................................10-22

Flying in the Wave................................................................................................................................10-25

Soaring Convergence Zones ...............................................................................................................10-28

Combined Sources of Updrafts ............................................................................................................10-29

Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................................10-29

Chapter 11: Cross-Country Soaring

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 11-1

Flight Preparation & Planning ................................................................................................................... 11-1

Getting Ready for Cross-Country Glider Flights .................................................................................... 11-1

Finalizing plans ...................................................................................................................................... 11-4

Personal & Special Equipment .................................................................................................................. 11-5

Navigation ................................................................................................................................................. 11-7

A Sample Cross-Country Flight .............................................................................................................. 11-7

Navigation Using GPS ......................................................................................................................... 11-10

Cross-Country Techniques ...................................................................................................................... 11-10

Soaring Faster & Farther ......................................................................................................................... 11-12

Height Bands ....................................................................................................................................... 11-12

Tips & Techniques ................................................................................................................................ 11-15

Special Situations .................................................................................................................................... 11-16

Course Deviations ................................................................................................................................ 11-16

Lost Procedures ................................................................................................................................... 11-17

Cross-Country Flight in a Self-Launching Glider ..................................................................................... 11-18

High-Performance Glider Operations & Considerations ......................................................................... 11-19

Glider Complexity ................................................................................................................................. 11-19

Water Ballast ........................................................................................................................................ 11-19

Cross-Country Flight Using Other Lift Sources ....................................................................................... 11-19

Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................................... 11-20

Chapter 12: Aerotow

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................12-1

Equipment Inspections & Operational Checks .......................................................................................... 12-1

Tow Hook ...............................................................................................................................................12-1

Tow Ring Inspection ...............................................................................................................................12-3

Tow Rope Inspection ..............................................................................................................................12-3

Abort Briefing .........................................................................................................................................12-3

On the Airport .........................................................................................................................................12-4

Ground Signals .........................................................................................................................................12-4

Takeoff & Climb .........................................................................................................................................12-4

Tow Positions, Turns, & Release ...............................................................................................................12-6

Glider Tow Positions...............................................................................................................................12-6

Turns on Tow ..........................................................................................................................................12-7

Approaching a Thermal ..........................................................................................................................12-7

Release ..................................................................................................................................................12-7

Descent, Approach, & Landing ..................................................................................................................12-8

Descent ..................................................................................................................................................12-8

Approach & Landing ..............................................................................................................................12-9

Cross-Country Aerotow .............................................................................................................................12-9

Emergencies ...........................................................................................................................................12-10

Takeoff Emergencies............................................................................................................................12-10

Airborne Emergencies ......................................................................................................................... 12-11

Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................................12-13

Chapter 13: Human Factors

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................13-1

Recognizing Hazardous Attitudes .............................................................................................................13-1

Complacency .........................................................................................................................................13-1

Indiscipline .............................................................................................................................................13-2

Overconfidence ......................................................................................................................................13-2

Pilot Error ..................................................................................................................................................13-2

Types of Errors .......................................................................................................................................13-2

Fatigue ...................................................................................................................................................13-3

Hyperventilation .....................................................................................................................................13-4

Hypoxia ..................................................................................................................................................13-4

Symptoms of Hypoxia ............................................................................................................................13-5

Inner Ear Discomfort ..............................................................................................................................13-6

Scuba Diving ..........................................................................................................................................13-7

Spatial Disorientation .............................................................................................................................13-7

Dehydration ............................................................................................................................................13-8

Heatstroke ..............................................................................................................................................13-8

Cold Weather .........................................................................................................................................13-8

Cabin Management & Equipment .............................................................................................................13-9

Parachute ...............................................................................................................................................13-9

Supplemental Oxygen ............................................................................................................................13-9

Risk Management ...................................................................................................................................13-12

Safety Management System (SMS) .....................................................................................................13-12

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) ..................................................................................................13-12

Analysis of Previous Accidents ...............................................................................................................13-13

Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................................................13-14

Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... G-1