Gliding Australia Documents

Pilot Guides are a resource for Student Pilots, and can be used by trainers to assist with training .

Combines the Pilot Guides for units 27 - 44 through to GPC. 

Scroll through to the unit you are seeking.

Individual units can be accessed  for printing and review below

Pilot Guides are a resource for Student Pilots, and can be used by trainers to assist with training .

Combines the Pilot Guides for the first 26 units, through to Solo. 

Scroll through to the unit you are seeking.

Individual units can be accessed  for printing and review below

To evaluate the student’s capability to combine the GPC competencies to safely plan and achieve cross country flight in thermals.

To develop the student’s skills and ingrained habits in selecting a path through the air that improves achieved glide performance; selecting and maintaining an appropriate speed to fly; using height bands to manage risk in terms of locating the next thermal; and choosing which thermals to accept

To develop the student’s knowledge and skill in the use of modern flight computers without degrading their lookout and situational awareness.

The focus is on moving map flight computers, including personal devices such as the Oudie and mobile phones.

The pilot should become familiar with the operation of the devices they will use and apply the concepts outlined in this unit.

To develop the student’s knowledge and skills in determining the suitability of the forecast weather for cross country flight and in setting an appropriate task for the expected conditions.

To ensure that a glider pilot with passenger carrying endorsement:

·         Knows their responsibilities regarding the safety of another person.

·         Knows the rules regarding the carriage of passengers.

·         Knows how to conduct an effective safety briefing for the passenger.

·         Knows how to conduct pre-flight checks with the passenger.

·         Is capable of putting the passenger at ease.

·         Knows what to do if the passenger is unwell or emotional before or during the flight.

To develop the skills and knowledge to operate in uncontrolled airspace, complying with “Rules of the Air” Regulations, Radio procedures, Altimetry, Flight planning, Search and Rescue requirements, as well as basic navigation skills without use of electronic navigation aids.

To develop the skills and knowledge required for assessment and examination by an authorised Daily Inspector (DI) Examiner:

To perform a daily inspection on a glider;

Including elements of pilot maintenance within approved limits, and;

Correctly complete the DI Certificate.

Skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and perform a landing in an unknown field.

This may include a landing at the conclusion of a cross country flight and in an emergency situation (launch failure, low in circuit, etc) close to the airfield.

To develop your skills, knowledge and ingrained habits to minimise risks due to inadequate preparation for yourself, the glider and trailer.

This is essential to be able to concentrate on achieving your goals when flying cross country.

To develop the student’s knowledge and skills related to thermal sources, thermal structure, and thermal lifecycle.

To train how to safely and cooperatively fly with other gliders. This requires awareness, separation and predictability.

To develop the student’s knowledge and skills for safe thermal entry and the first thermaling turn.

To develop the student’s skills and ingrained habits in centring thermals effectively, using Feel technique and Vario technique.

Develop the skills and knowledge to perform steep turns in a glider (60° of bank).

Develop the student’s knowledge and ability to confidently utilise a sideslip to increase their descent rate.

Develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to conduct Advanced Aerotow techniques:

Changing station on tow

Boxing the slipstream

Cruising and descending on tow

To develop the skills and knowledge required to:

Recognise and minimise the impact of threats; and

Manage any subsequent errors in an aircraft in order to prevent these leading to an undesired aircraft state.

Describe the non-technical skills and knowledge that underpin all GPC units and aviation activity;

Assess the impact of Human Factors on operation of an aircraft; and

Develop personal limitations when operating aircraft.