Glider Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-13A

Glider Flying Handbook2013FAA-H-8083-13AAviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.7005 132nd Place SENewcastle, Washington 98059-3153 2013 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.This electronic publication is comprised of the same content as the Federal Aviation Administration’sofficial release of this same title. ASA does not claim copyright on any material published hereinthat was taken from United States government sources. Hyperlinks and bookmarks have beenincorporated throughout to facilitate ease of use for this electronic version. All rights reserved.No part of this electronic file may be reproduced, transmitted, shared, distributed or resold withoutwritten permission from the publisher.ASA-8083-13A-PD978-1-61954-105-4

PrefacePrefaceThe Glider Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for glider categoryrating and for currently certificated glider pilots who wish to improve their knowledge. Certificated flight instructors willThe Glider Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for glider categoryfind this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aeronautical decision-making, components andrating and for currently certificated glider pilots who wish to improve their knowledge. Certificated flight instructors willsystems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, performance limitations, ground operations, flight maneuvers, traffic patterns,find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aeronautical decision-making, components andemergencies, soaring weather, soaring techniques, and cross-country flight is included. Topics such as radio navigation andsystems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, performance limitations, ground operations, flight maneuvers, traffic patterns,communication, use of flight information publications, and regulations are available in other Federal Aviation Administrationemergencies, soaring weather, soaring techniques, and cross-country flight is included. Topics such as radio navigation and(FAA) publications.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,The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles. Occasionally, the word “must”interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Persons working towards aor similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to,glider rating are advised to review the references from the applicable practical test standards (FAA-G-8082-4, Sport Pilotinterpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Persons working towards aand Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating Knowledge Test Guide, FAA-G-8082-5, Commercial Pilot Knowledge Testglider rating are advised to review the references from the applicable practical test standards (FAA-G-8082-4, Sport PilotGuide, and FAA-G-8082-17, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide). Resources for study includeand Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating Knowledge Test Guide, FAA-G-8082-5, Commercial Pilot Knowledge TestFAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-2, Risk Management Handbook, and AdvisoryGuide, and FAA-G-8082-17, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide). Resources for study includeCircular (AC) 00-6, Aviation Weather For Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel, AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services,FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-2, Risk Management Handbook, and Advisoryas these documents contain basic material not duplicated herein. All beginning applicants should refer to FAA-H-8083-25,Circular (AC) 00-6, Aviation Weather For Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel, AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services,Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, for study and basic library reference.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 theAeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at www.faa.gov. The current Flight StandardsIt is essential for persons using this handbook to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and theService airman training and testing material and learning statements for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtainedAeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at www.faa.gov. The current Flight Standardsfrom www.faa.gov.Service airman training and testing material and learning statements for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtainedfrom www.faa.gov.This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-13, Glider Flying Handbook, dated 2003. Always select the latest edition of anypublication and check the website for errata pages and listing of changes to FAA educational publications developed byThis handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-13, Glider Flying Handbook, dated 2003. Always select the latest edition of anythe FAA’s Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630.publication and check the website for errata pages and listing of changes to FAA educational publications developed bythe FAA’s Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630.This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from www.faa.gov.This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from www.faa.gov.This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, AirmanTesting Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, AirmanTesting Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following address:Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following ovJohn M. AllenDirector, Flight Standards Serviceiiiiii

Table of ContentsPreface.iiiAcknowledgments .vTable of Contents .viiChapter 1Gliders and Sailplanes .1-1Introduction .1-1Gliders—The Early Years.1-2Glider or Sailplane? .1-3Glider Pilot Schools .1-414 CFR Part 141 Pilot Schools .1-514 CFR Part 61 Instruction .1-5Glider Certificate Eligibility Requirements .1-5Common Glider Concepts.1-6Terminology .1-6Converting Metric Distance to Feet .1-6Chapter 2Components and Systems .2-1Introduction .2-1Glider Design .2-2The Fuselage .2-4Wings and Components .2-4Lift/Drag Devices.2-5Empennage.2-6Towhook Devices .2-7Powerplant .2-7Self-Launching Gliders .2-7Sustainer Engines .2-8Landing Gear .2-8Wheel Brakes .2-8Chapter 3Aerodynamics of Flight.3-1Introduction .3-1Forces of Flight .3-2Newton’s Third Law of Motion .3-2Lift .3-2The Effects of Drag on a Glider .3-3Parasite Drag .3-3Form Drag .3-3Skin Friction Drag .3-3Interference Drag .3-5Total Drag.3-6Wing Planform .3-6Elliptical Wing .3-6Rectangular Wing .3-7Tapered Wing .3-7Swept-Forward Wing.3-7Washout .3-7Glide Ratio .3-8Aspect Ratio.3-9Weight .3-9Thrust .3-9Three Axes of Rotation .3-9Stability .3-10Flutter .3-11Lateral Stability .3-12Turning Flight .3-13Load Factors.3-13Radius of Turn .3-14Turn Coordination .3-15Slips .3-15Forward Slip .3-16Sideslip .3-17Spins .3-17Ground Effect.3-19Chapter 4Flight Instruments .4-1Introduction .4-1Pitot-Static Instruments.4-2Impact and Static Pressure Lines.4-2Airspeed Indicator .4-2The Effects of Altitude on the AirspeedIndicator .4-3Types of Airspeed .4-3vii

Airspeed Indicator Markings .4-5Other Airspeed Limitations .4-6Altimeter.4-6Principles of Operation .4-6Effect of Nonstandard Pressure andTemperature .4-7Setting the Altimeter (Kollsman Window) .4-9Types of Altitude .4-10Variometer .4-11Total Energy System.4-14Netto .4-14Electronic Flight Computers .4-15Magnetic Compass .4-16Yaw String.4-16Inclinometer.4-16Gyroscopic Instruments .4-17G-Meter .4-17FLARM Collision Avoidance System .4-18Chapter 5Glider Performance .5-1Introduction .5-1Factors Affecting Performance .5-2High and Low Density Altitude Conditions .5-2Atmospheric Pressure .5-2Altitude .5-3Temperature .5-3Wind .5-3Weight .5-5Rate of Climb .5-7Flight Manuals and Placards .5-8Placards .5-8Performance Information .5-8Glider Polars .5-8Weight and Balance Information .5-10Limitations .5-10Weight and Balance .5-12Center of Gravity .5-12Problems Associated With CG Forward ofForward Limit .5-12Problems Associated With CG Aft of Aft Limit .5-13Sample Weight and Balance Problems .5-13Ballast .5-14Chapter 6Preflight and Ground Operations.6-1Introduction .6-1Assembly and Storage Techniques .6-2Trailering .6-3Tiedown and Securing .6-4viiiWater Ballast .6-4Ground Handling .6-4Launch Equipment Inspection .6-5Glider Preflight Inspection .6-6Prelaunch Checklist .6-7Glider Care .6-7Preventive Maintenance .6-8Chapter 7Launch and Recovery Procedures and FlightManeuvers .7-1Introduction .7-1Aerotow Takeoff Procedures .7-2Signals .7-2Prelaunch Signals.7-2Inflight Signals .7-3Takeoff Procedures and Techniques .7-3Normal Assisted Takeoff.7-4Unassisted Takeoff .7-5Crosswind Takeoff .7-5Assisted .7-5Unassisted .7-6Aerotow Climb-Out.7-6Aerotow Release.7-8Slack Line .7-9Boxing the Wake .7-10Ground Launch Takeoff Procedures .7-11CG Hooks .7-11Signals .7-11Prelaunch Signals (Winch/Automobile) .7-11Inflight Signals .7-12Tow Speeds .7-12Automobile Launch .7-14Crosswind Takeoff and Climb .7-14Normal Into-the-Wind Launch .7-15Climb-Out and Release Procedures.7-16Self-Launch Takeoff Procedures .7-17Preparation and Engine Start .7-17Taxiing .7-18Pretakeoff Check .7-18Normal Takeoff .7-19Crosswind Takeoff .7-19Climb-Out and Shutdown Procedures .7-19Landing.7-21Gliderport/Airport Traffic Patterns and Operations .7-22Normal Approach and Landing .7-22Crosswind Landing .7-25Slips .7-25Downwind Landing .7-27After Landing and Securing .7-27