Lesson 2j - Straight Glide

Lesson Objective

The candidate must be able to fly the glider on a specified heading, and continually maintain that heading, at a desired airspeed of the instructor's choosing. The candidate must do so with smooth control inputs, so that the glider is in constant coordinated flight.

Regulatory Requirement

• Pre-solo: 14 CFR §61.87(i)(4), (15)
• Private Pilot Test Candidate: PTS Area of Operation VII(A)

Content

The student will learn the elements of straight flight, which includes:

• relationship of attitude to airspeed
• the skill of tracking toward a landmark or heading at the instructor's choosing.
• the skill of maintaining wings level without inadvertent yawing motions
• the ability to adjust to atmospheric disturbances.
• maintaining a specific heading and airspeed.
• the selection of the appropriate amount of crab to counteract any winds aloft.

Completion Standards

When complete, the student will:

• exhibit knowledge of the elements related to straight glides, including the relationship of pitch attitude and airspeed.
• track toward a prominent landmark at a specified airspeed.
• demonstrate the effect of flaps, spoilers, or dive brakes, if equipped, in relation to pitch attitude and airspeed.
• exhibit smooth, coordinated control, and planning.
• maintain the specified heading, +/-10 degrees, and the specified airspeed, +/-10 knots
• when tracking to a point, select the appropriate amount of crab in crosswinds

Note: The criteria for evaluation in this section are taken directly from the PTS.

Prerequisite Study

• Glider Flying Handbook (2013), Chapter 7, Straight Glides, page 7-27.