Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Glider: The Commercial Pilot – Glider Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for commercial pilot certification practical tests for the glider category. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for practical tests. The following major enhancements were made to FAA-S-8081-23A. The reference section has been updated to current FAA publications in use. An abbreviation section has been added. The “plan of action” is more thoroughly explained to include the requirement to use scenarios. Practical test prerequisite requirements have been updated to current rules. The list of Special Emphasis Items has been updated. Unsatisfactory Performance has been clarified. The use of Letters of Discontinuance has been described. The requirement to evaluate the applicant’s Aeronautical Decision Making and Risk Management skills has been addressed. The need for testing in Single-Pilot Resource Management has been addressed and clarified. Reference to the metric system has been eliminated. The body of the PTS has been updated to include airworthiness requirements, self-launch systems, visual signals, runway CONTENTS INTRODUCTION:General InformationPractical Test Standard ConceptPractical Test Book DescriptionAbbreviationsUse of the Practical Test Standards BookSpecial Emphasis AreasCommercial Pilot – Glider Practical Test PrerequisitesAircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical TestFlight Instructors ResponsibilityExaminer ResponsibilitySatisfactory PerformanceUnsatisfactory PerformanceLetter of DiscontinuanceAeronautical Decision Making and Risk ManagementSingle-Pilot Resource ManagementApplicant’s Use of ChecklistsUse of Distractions during Practical TestsPositive Exchange of Flight ControlsCHECKLISTS: Applicant’s Practical Test ChecklistExaminer’s Practical Test ChecklistADDITIONAL RATING TASK TABLEAREAS OF OPERATION: I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATIONA. Certificates and DocumentsB. Airworthiness RequirementsC. Weather InformationD. Operation of SystemsE. Performance and LimitationsF. Aeromedical FactorsII. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURESA. AssemblyB. Ground HandlingC. Preflight InspectionD. Cockpit ManagementE. Visual SignalsIII..AIRPORT AND GLIDERPORT OPERATIONSA. Radio Communications and ATC Light SignalsB. Traffic Patterns C. Airport, Runway, and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and LightingIV. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGSAEROTOW A. Before Takeoff CheckB. Normal and Crosswind TakeoffC. Maintaining Tow PositionsD. Slack LineE. Boxing the WakeF. Tow ReleaseG. Abnormal Occurrences GROUND TOW (AUTO OR WINCH) H. Before Takeoff CheckI. Normal and Crosswind TakeoffJ. Abnormal OccurrencesSELF-LAUNCH K. Engine StartingL. TaxiingM. Before Takeoff Check.N. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and ClimbO. Engine Shutdown In Flight P. Abnormal OccurrencesLANDINGSQ. Normal and Crosswind LandingR. Slips to LandingS. Downwind LandingV. PERFORMANCE AIRSPEEDSA. Minimum Sink AirspeedB. Speed-To-FlyVI. SOARING TECHNIQUESA. Thermal SoaringB. Ridge and Slope SoaringC. Wave SoaringVII. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERSA. Straight GlidesB. Turns to HeadingsC. Steep TurnsVIII. NAVIGATIONA. Flight Preparation and PlanningB. National Airspace SystemIX. SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS A. Maneuvering at Minimum Control AirspeedB. Stall Recognition and RecoveryX. EMERGENCY OPERATIONSA. Simulated Off-Airport LandingB. Emergency Equipment and Survival GearXI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURESA. After-Landing and Securing