Gliding Australia Documents

The aim of this unit is for the student to:

Develop effective reference to the horizon for controlling aircraft attitude;

Explain the primary effects of controls in both their aerodynamic effect and their effect on the airframe; 

Demonstrate use of controls to vary pitch, bank angle and yaw.

Orientation in the local area.

Sailplane stability.

Knowledge of basic glider aerodynamics and components

The aim of this unit is to:

develop the skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret required pre-flight information; 

perform the outside and cockpit pre take-off checks.

A basic understanding of the parachute is also required if these are used. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1Uis0N-hKY&list=PLw8r6ZtUaBydnUYCdnpwQ_bH3LMsxs0oU&index=7

The student must be able to apply standard checks reliably and thoroughly, by rote or by reference to a checklist, without undue delay.

Describe: the Weight and Balance requirement for the flight given the flight crew weights.

For a powered sailplane calculate:  Take-off and landing performance; Forward and cross wind limits. Take-off distance.

Demonstrate: Switching on and off the glider’s electrical system; Setting the altimeter; Switching on the radio and setting volume / squelch Operating / avoiding the Press-to Transmit (PTT) switch.

The aim of this unit is to develop the skills and knowledge required to safely handle gliders on the ground and use correct signals.

Control, move and secure the aircraft on the ground;  Use the standard ground signals; Correctly perform wing tip runner and hook-on duties.

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.

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.

Develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to prepare and then safely fly a self-launch ground roll, separation, initial climb and then transition into the normal climb.

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

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.

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.

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

The aim is for the student to:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.