GLIDER FLYING
HANDBOOK
2003
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Flight Standards Service
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PREFACE
The Glider Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for glider
category rating and for currently certificated glider pilots who wish to improve their knowledge. Certificated
flight instructors will find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aeronautical
decision making, components and systems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, performance limitations,
ground operations, flight maneuvers, traffic patterns, emergencies, soaring weather, soaring techniques,
and cross-country is included. Topics, such as radio navigation and communication, use of flight information
publications, and regulations are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different
ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in
the explanations of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and
concept to flying gliders. 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, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14
of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
It is essential for persons using this handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts
of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Performance standards for demonstrating competence
required for pilot certification are prescribed in the appropriate glider practical test standard.
This handbook contains all or part of the information found in AC 61-94, Pilot Transition Course for Self-
Launching or Powered Sailplanes (Motorgliders). This publication may be purchased from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC 20402-9325, or
from U.S. Government Bookstores located in major cities throughout the United States.
The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge
codes for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the Flight Standards Services web site
at http://av-info.faa.gov.
The FAA gratefully acknolwedges the valuable assistance provided by many individuals and organizations
throughout the aviation community who contributed their time and talent in publishing this handbook.
Comments regarding this handbook should be sent to U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars and
other flight information publications. This checklist is free of charge and may be obtained by
sending a request to U.S. Department of Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, SVC-
121.23, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th Avenue, Landover, MD 20785. The checklist
also is available on the Internet at: http://www.faa.gov/aba/html_policies/ac00_2.html
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Chapter 3—Aerodynamics of Flight
Airfoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Angle of Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Angle of Incidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Center of Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Forces of Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Magnus Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Bernoulli’s Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Newton’s Third Law of Motion . . . . . . . . 3-3
Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Parasite Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Form Drag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Interference Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Skin Friction Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Induced Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Total Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Drag Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Wing Planform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Aspect Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Thrust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
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