Career upgrade: Learn practical AI skills for better jobs and higher pay.
Level up
PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Practice Questions

Pass your FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider Knowledge Test (CGX) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 100
Question 1
Score: 0/0

The turbulent, rolling air mass found beneath and downwind of the primary mountain wave crest is called the:

A
B
C
D
to track
Same family resources

Explore More FAA Airman and Aviation Certificates

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards1 video4 blogs

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards1 blog

CFI Flight Instructor

Practice Questions5 blogs

ATP Pilot

Practice Questions5 blogs

Instrument Rating

Practice Questions5 blogs

CFII Flight Instructor

Practice Questions1 blog

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

VideoFAA Part 107 Study Guide: Pass First Try (2026)ArticleBest Aviation Fuel Testers for Pilots: Complete 2026 Preflight Guide12 min readArticleBest Budget Aviation Headsets for Student Pilots Under $100 in 202612 min readArticleBest David Clark Aviation Headset for Student Pilots: Complete 2026 Buying Guide14 min readArticleBest E6B Flight Computers & Plotters for the CFI/CFII Checkride (2026)11 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Exam

100

Multiple-Choice Questions

FAA Airman Knowledge Test (CGX)

3 hours

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Test (CGX)

70%

Minimum Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing standards

CGX

FAA Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing

~$175

PSI Testing Fee

PSI FAA Airman Knowledge Test

PSI

Testing Provider

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing

The CGX is the FAA airman knowledge test for the commercial glider rating: 100 multiple-choice questions, a 3-hour limit, and a 70% minimum passing score, delivered at an FAA-authorized PSI testing center after an instructor endorsement. Heaviest emphasis falls on commercial FARs and towing rules, advanced soaring aerodynamics and cross-country technique, and soaring weather, with smaller shares for systems/launch operations, performance and weight and balance, navigation, and aeronautical decision making. This free practice bank provides 100 selected-response items with full explanations across all seven areas.

Sample FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR 61, what is the minimum aeronautical experience in gliders required for a commercial pilot certificate with a glider rating when the applicant holds no other category certificate and is using the flight-time path?
A.25 hours flight time in gliders and 100 glider flights as pilot in command
B.20 hours flight time in gliders and 50 glider flights as pilot in command
C.10 hours flight time and 20 glider flights
D.40 hours flight time in any aircraft and 10 glider flights
Explanation: For the flight-time pathway, 14 CFR 61.129(f) requires at least 25 hours of flight time in gliders and 100 flights in gliders as pilot in command for the commercial glider rating when the applicant has no other category certificate. There is an alternate path with fewer glider flights but more total flight experience.
2A commercial glider pilot may act as pilot in command of a glider carrying passengers for compensation or hire only if the pilot also meets which currency requirement before that flight?
A.A flight review within the preceding 12 calendar months only
B.Recent flight experience: required takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days for carrying passengers
C.An instrument proficiency check within 6 months
D.A first-class medical certificate
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.57 requires recent flight experience (the applicable takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days) to carry passengers, in addition to holding the commercial certificate. Currency is separate from certification level.
3Does a person exercising commercial glider pilot privileges need an FAA medical certificate?
A.Yes, at least a second-class medical certificate
B.Yes, a third-class medical certificate
C.No medical certificate is required for glider operations
D.Only BasicMed is required
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.23 specifies that a medical certificate is not required to operate a glider or balloon. The pilot must still not have a known medical deficiency that would make them unable to operate safely.
4On a glider polar curve, the airspeed that produces the minimum sink rate is best used for which objective?
A.Maximizing distance over the ground in still air
B.Penetrating into a strong headwind
C.Achieving the steepest descent for landing
D.Staying aloft the longest while thermalling or in lift
Explanation: Minimum sink speed is the tangent point at the top of the polar where vertical descent rate is lowest, so it maximizes time aloft, which is ideal when working weak lift or thermalling. It is slower than best L/D speed.
5According to MacCready speed-to-fly theory, how should a glider pilot adjust cruise speed when expecting strong lift in the next thermal?
A.Fly faster between thermals
B.Fly slower to conserve altitude
C.Maintain best L/D speed regardless of expected lift
D.Fly at minimum sink speed at all times
Explanation: MacCready theory says the optimum inter-thermal cruise speed increases as the expected climb rate in the next thermal increases. Strong anticipated lift justifies flying faster because lost altitude is quickly regained.
6What is the primary aerodynamic benefit of carrying water ballast in a high-performance glider on a strong soaring day?
A.It lowers the stall speed
B.It increases the best L/D speed and improves inter-thermal cruise performance
C.It increases the minimum sink rate advantage
D.It reduces wing loading
Explanation: Water ballast raises wing loading, shifting the polar so the glider achieves its best glide ratio at a higher airspeed, improving cross-country speed when strong thermals offset the slightly higher sink in weak lift. Glide ratio itself is essentially unchanged.
7During an aerotow, the tow pilot rocks the towplane's wings (rudder waggle is the glider's signal; wing rock is the towplane's). What does the towplane rocking its wings signal to the glider pilot?
A.Release immediately, something is wrong with the towplane
B.Increase tow speed
C.Check your spoilers/dive brakes; they appear to be open or something is amiss
D.You are too low in the tow position
Explanation: When the towplane rocks its wings, it is signaling the glider pilot to check the glider's configuration, most commonly that the spoilers or dive brakes appear extended. The glider pilot should verify the spoilers are closed and locked.
8If the glider pilot cannot release from the towline and the towplane can, what is the standard prearranged visual signal the glider gives the towplane to indicate 'I cannot release'?
A.Rock the glider's wings
B.Yaw the glider from side to side (fishtail)
C.Pull up sharply to add slack
D.Fly out to the left of the towplane while still on tow
Explanation: If the glider cannot release, the standard procedure is for the glider to move out to the left side of the towplane (while remaining attached), signaling the tow pilot to release the towline from the towplane end. Prebriefed signals should always be confirmed before flight.
9A thermal is best described as which type of atmospheric lift?
A.A rising column of air created by uneven solar heating of the surface
B.Air deflected upward by a ridge or hill in wind
C.A standing wave downwind of a mountain range
D.Lift produced where two air masses converge along a sea-breeze front
Explanation: A thermal is a buoyant column or bubble of warm air that rises because the surface heated unevenly, making that air less dense than its surroundings. Thermals are the most common lift source for cross-country soaring.
10Which atmospheric condition is most favorable for the development of strong, well-organized thermals?
A.A surface-based temperature inversion
B.A steep environmental lapse rate (unstable air) with surface heating
C.A deep, moist stable layer
D.Light winds with widespread stratus
Explanation: Strong thermals require an unstable atmosphere, meaning a steep environmental lapse rate so a rising parcel stays warmer than its surroundings and continues to ascend. Daytime surface heating provides the trigger.

About the FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Exam

The FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) knowledge test is the airman knowledge test for a commercial pilot certificate with a glider rating. It is a 100-question multiple-choice exam delivered by PSI with a 3-hour time limit and a 70% passing score, covering commercial federal aviation regulations and operations, advanced soaring aerodynamics and cross-country technique, aviation weather, glider systems and launch operations, performance and weight and balance, navigation, and human factors.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice, 3 hours, 70% to pass, computer-based via PSI (official FAA CGX test); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

~$175 (PSI testing fee) (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA))

FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Exam Content Outline

20%

Federal Aviation Regulations & Commercial Operations

Commercial pilot privileges and limitations, 14 CFR 61 and 91, currency and flight review, glider towing requirements and tow signals, towline and weak-link strength under 91.309, and commercial operations awareness.

24%

Advanced Soaring Aerodynamics & Cross-Country Technique

Polar curve, speed-to-fly and MacCready theory, best L/D versus minimum sink, final glide, energy management, water ballast effects, stall/spin, and slipping.

20%

Aviation Weather

Thermal and convective lift, ridge and mountain-wave lift, convergence, atmospheric stability and inversions, soaring forecasts, and Skew-T basics.

14%

Glider Systems & Launch Operations

Aerotow, ground/winch launch, premature termination and cable break, spoilers/dive brakes/flaps, retractable gear, and instruments including the total-energy variometer.

10%

Performance & Weight and Balance

Center of gravity, wing loading, water ballast limits, placards, and key operating speeds.

8%

Cross-Country & Navigation

Task planning, airspace awareness, glide-range management, and off-field landing site selection.

4%

Aeromedical, Human Factors & ADM/Risk Management

Hypoxia and supplemental oxygen, spatial disorientation, passenger briefing, personal minimums, and aeronautical decision making under commercial pressure.

How to Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice, 3 hours, 70% to pass, computer-based via PSI (official FAA CGX test); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: ~$175 (PSI testing fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FAA Commercial Pilot — Glider (CGX) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Weight your study time toward the largest areas first: commercial FARs and towing rules, advanced soaring aerodynamics and cross-country technique, and soaring weather.
2Learn the polar curve cold: be able to locate best L/D, minimum sink, and how wind and water ballast shift speed-to-fly and final-glide decisions.
3Memorize the towing rules precisely, including 14 CFR 91.309 towline strength limits, weak/safety links, tow signals, and 14 CFR 61.69 tow-pilot requirements.
4Drill soaring weather as a system: stability and inversions, trigger temperature, thermal/ridge/wave/convergence lift, and reading a Skew-T for cloud base and top of lift.
5Practice timed mixed sets so 100 questions in 3 hours feels routine, and review every miss by subject area and by error type (regulation recall, aerodynamic reasoning, or weather interpretation).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the FAA Commercial Glider (CGX) knowledge test?

The official FAA CGX knowledge test has 100 multiple-choice questions. This free practice bank also provides 100 selected-response questions, with detailed explanations for every correct and incorrect option so you can study by topic.

What score do I need to pass the CGX test?

The FAA requires a minimum score of 70% to pass the Commercial Pilot Glider knowledge test, the same standard used across FAA airman knowledge tests. You should still aim well above 70% so that real-test variability does not put a pass at risk.

How long is the CGX test and where is it given?

The CGX is a computer-based test with a 3-hour time limit, delivered at an FAA-authorized testing center operated by PSI. You must obtain an authorized instructor endorsement before scheduling the knowledge test.

What does the CGX knowledge test cover?

The CGX covers commercial federal aviation regulations and operations, advanced soaring aerodynamics and cross-country technique, aviation weather, glider systems and launch operations, performance and weight and balance, navigation, and aeromedical/human factors with aeronautical decision making.

How much does the CGX knowledge test cost?

The knowledge test fee is approximately $175 paid to the PSI testing provider. That fee is separate from instruction, study materials, and the later practical test (checkride) required for the commercial glider certificate.

Is the CGX the same as a CGL test?

The FAA airman knowledge test code for the Commercial Pilot Glider test is CGX, not CGL. Make sure any scheduling or study reference uses the CGX code so you sit the correct commercial glider knowledge test.