FAA commercial glider pilot theory foundations flashcards
FAA commercial glider pilot theory foundations · Build recall with a focused review session.
20 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Glide polar
- A representation relating airspeed to sink behavior under specified conditions, requiring its actual axes, loading and reference assumptions for interpretation.
- Minimum sink
- The operating point minimizing sink in the specified model, distinguished from the point maximizing horizontal travel per unit height lost.
- Best glide
- The operating point maximizing the stated distance-to-height relationship under its assumptions, not a guarantee of range in wind, sink or maneuvering.
- Wing loading
- Weight per wing area in the specified comparison, affecting the speed and performance relationships rather than automatically granting a ballast permission.
- Positive control check
- The approved check establishing required connection, security and correct control movement, distinguished from merely observing that a cockpit handle moves.
- Total-energy compensation
- Correction reducing indications caused solely by speed-height energy exchange, distinct from removing the sailplane's own still-air sink through a netto function.
- Netto indication
- An estimate of airmass vertical movement using the appropriate aircraft/polar correction, with its sign convention and compensation assumptions kept explicit.
- Weak link
- A specified protective link in a launch system, whose strength, placement and acceptability come from applicable rules and aircraft data.
- Thermal
- A rising air structure associated with convection, whose usable core, drift and surrounding flow vary with the actual atmosphere and terrain.
- Ridge lift
- Upward airflow associated with wind meeting terrain, requiring assessment of actual wind direction, terrain, turbulence and available landing options.
- Mountain wave
- An organized standing-wave airflow pattern associated with appropriate terrain and atmospheric conditions, potentially accompanied by severe rotor, sink and shear.
- Convective condensation level
- The level associated with cloud formation from surface-based convection in the stated model, distinguished from a different parcel lifting process.
- Arrival-height allowance
- A planned remaining height for the stated destination and approach needs, separate from a theoretical range calculation that descends to zero height.
- Ground glide ratio
- Horizontal travel over the ground per unit vertical height lost in the defined model, affected by wind and vertical air motion.
- Reachable landing option
- A field or airfield that remains within a realistic glide model and is assessed for actual surface, obstacle, wind and approach suitability.
- Pilotage
- Navigation through comparison of visible features with charted references, requiring correct identification rather than confidence in an unverified landmark.
- Confirmation bias
- Selecting or interpreting evidence in favor of an existing belief while discounting conflicting information, potentially preserving an unsuitable flying plan.
- Plan-continuation pressure
- Commitment to an original course despite changed conditions, especially when completion, passenger or financial pressures make reconsideration difficult.
- Medical-certificate exemption
- A defined exception to a certificate requirement under the applicable rule, not a finding of fitness or freedom from relevant medical limitations.
- Decision criterion
- A stated condition used to reassess a plan before margins become inadequate, distinguished from a universal numerical limit invented for every glider.