Gliding Australia Documents

Introduces the pilot to the basic Rules of the Air and operating procedures, enabling the pilot to fly solo safely within the local area

Describe and Demonstrate the operation of a range of electronic situational awareness aids; and their use in supporting effective lookout; and describe the limitations of these aids

Develop the skills and knowledge required to operate aircraft radio equipment during flight in the local area; and

Ensure that the student’s use of the radio conforms to CASA and GFA requirements including relevant terminology.

This Unit is a prerequisite for first solo.

For the student undertaking a winch or vehicle (auto tow) launch to:

Describe types of a winch/auto tow launch emergency.

Understand the actions to take to safely handle a launch failure.

Recognise the threats and errors that can occur during a launch failure.

Demonstrate the ability to handle a launch emergency at all stages of the launch.

Describe types of launch emergency and demonstrate approaches to prevent these emergencies, and safe actions in the event of them happening on the ground and in the air.

Competency in this unit is a prerequisite to solo flight when this involves self-launch aircraft.

Student undertaking an aerotow to:

Describe types of aerotow launch emergency.

Demonstrate actions to safely handle a launch failure.

Demonstrate approaches to prevent these emergencies, and safe actions in the event of them happening on the ground and in the air.

Competency in this unit is a prerequisite to first solo flight using aerotow.

Enable the student to assess cross wind conditions and describe their effects on take-off and landing operations with regard to different gliders.

The student will describe and demonstrate the safe actions to take in the event of cross-winds on take-offs and landings.

Explain the aerodynamics of the spin maneuver.

State the common causes of unintended spins and the ways to avoid them

Be capable of recognizing the symptoms of a spin and spiral dive

Be capable of efficient recovery of the aircraft from all phases of a spin or spiral dive

Verify that a glider is rated for spins

Perform a safe stabilised approach and landing, for a wide range of environmental conditions.

Plan for approach and landing; Conduct approach; Conduct flare, hold-off and landing

Recognise pilot responsibility to follow circuit procedures.

Fly a circuit from the circuit joining area through to a stabilised final approach.

Develop awareness of the factors that may affect the execution of the circuit.

Demonstrate modification of the circuit as required.

• Decide when a flight is to be terminated - to transition from soaring pilot to landing pilot.
• Identify a circuit pattern appropriate to the airfield, weather, traffic and other factors.
• Determine location of the circuit joining area, based on the selected circuit pattern.
• Configure the aircraft for circuit and determine when to use the pre-landing check.
• Demonstrate good lookout and traffic separation in the terminal area.

To develop the skills and knowledge required to apply appropriate lookout procedures and scanning techniques.

Develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to safely commence a winch launch, from the cable hook on through to initial climb.

Develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to prepare and then safely fly an aerotow launch ground roll, separation, initial climb and then transition into the normal aerotow climb position.

To develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to safely fly a winch launch, from the initial climb stage through to release.

Note that this aligns with the normal training sequence and risk profile for these units. Upper air aspects of launch are taught first, then initial climb, full climb, and then crosswind conditions. Several launches may be required to demonstrate competence and underpinning knowledge.

Whilst the precursor for launch emergencies is discussed here (speed out of tolerance) the actual briefing and handling of the emergency is covered in GPC unit 20.

To develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to safely fly a self-launching glider through a normal climb and engine shut down to transition to soaring pilot.

Use of appropriate launch pattern.

Engine management

To develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to safely fly an aerotow launch in the correct low tow position after transitioning from the initial climb, and then release from aerotow. 

Note that this aligns with the normal training sequence and risk profile for these units. Upper air aspects of launch are taught first, then ground roll and take-off, then crosswind conditions and emergencies.

To ensure that the student

·         Can fly accurately and confidently close to the stall;

·         Is aware of the importance of always maintaining a safe margin from the stall whenever close to the ground i.e. below 1000’ AGL;

·         Can recognise the approach of a stall; and

·         Will initiate prompt prevention and recovery from stalls.

To introduce student pilots to soaring and what can be achieved by progressing through GPC training and beyond. It aims to foster enthusiasm to continue training and remain with the sport longer term. Thermal soaring is comprehensively covered in post-solo GPC units – this unit provides only a basic introduction to thermal soaring.

The aim of this GPC Unit is to: Develop the practical skills and knowledge to operate the Airbrakes, Flaps, Undercarriage, Canopy and Tow release in various gliders.