100+ Free FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Practice Questions
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Key Facts: FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Exam
PGL
FAA Airman Knowledge Test Code
FAA Airman Knowledge Testing
60
Official Multiple-Choice Questions
FAA Airman Knowledge Test Guide
2.5 hours
Time Limit
FAA Airman Knowledge Testing
70%
Passing Score
FAA Airman Knowledge Testing
~$175
PSI Testing Fee
PSI FAA Knowledge Testing
16
Minimum Age for the Glider Certificate
14 CFR 61.103
No medical
FAA Medical Certificate Not Required
14 CFR Part 61
The FAA Private Pilot — Glider knowledge test uses test code PGL, contains 60 multiple-choice questions, allows 2.5 hours, and requires a score of at least 70% to pass. It is delivered by computer at PSI testing centers, and an instructor endorsement is required before testing under 14 CFR Part 61. No FAA medical certificate is required to exercise glider privileges. This free bank provides 100 practice questions across all seven PGL knowledge areas with full explanations.
Sample FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the minimum age to be eligible for a private pilot certificate with a glider category rating?
2A glider's best glide speed corresponds to which point on the glide polar?
3Which speed allows a glider to remain airborne the longest when descending through still air?
4During an aerotow, the towplane pilot rocks the wings (rudder waggle/wing rock). What does this signal mean to the glider pilot?
5The glider pilot rocks the wings during an aerotow while the tow continues. What is this signal telling the towplane pilot?
6A thermal is best described as a source of lift produced by which mechanism?
7Ridge (slope) lift is produced when wind:
8What is the primary purpose of water ballast carried in a high-performance glider?
9Adverse yaw in a glider causes the nose to initially move:
10Spoilers or dive brakes on a glider are used primarily to:
About the FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Exam
The FAA Private Pilot — Glider Knowledge Test (code PGL) is the airman knowledge test for the private pilot certificate with a glider category rating. It is a 60-question, computer-delivered multiple-choice exam administered through PSI, with a 2.5-hour time limit and a 70% passing score. The test covers federal aviation regulations and airspace, glider aerodynamics and soaring performance, aviation weather and lift sources, launch methods and operations, weight and balance, cross-country soaring, and aeromedical/human-factors and aeronautical decision-making.
Assessment
60 multiple-choice, 2.5 hours, 70% to pass, computer-based via PSI (official FAA PGL test); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
Time Limit
2.5 hours
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
~$175 (PSI testing fee) (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA))
FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Exam Content Outline
Federal Aviation Regulations & Airspace
14 CFR Part 61 certification and recency, Part 91 operating rules, VFR minimums, right-of-way, towing rules (91.309), preflight action, and airspace for glider operations.
Glider Aerodynamics & Soaring Performance
Glide polar, L/D ratio, minimum sink versus best glide, speed-to-fly/MacCready, stall and spin behavior, adverse yaw, coordination, variometers, and ground-launch dynamics.
Aviation Weather & Lift Sources
Thermals, ridge and slope lift, mountain wave and rotor, convergence, atmospheric stability and lapse rate, soaring forecasts and trigger temperature, cloud cues, and wind gradient.
Launch Methods & Operations
Aerotow signals, boxing the wake, tow upset/kiting, ground and winch launch, premature termination and rope break, slack rope, spoilers/dive brakes, and off-field landings.
Performance & Weight and Balance
Water ballast effects, center of gravity, wing loading, gross weight limits, and the resulting effects on stall speed, the polar, and handling.
Navigation & Cross-Country Soaring
Glide ratio and range planning, wind effects on effective glide, penetration, final glide and glide computers, lost procedures, and landable-field management.
Aeromedical, Human Factors & ADM
Hypoxia and oxygen rules, dehydration and heat stress, situational awareness, the I'M SAFE checklist, hazardous attitudes, and risk-based decision making.
How to Pass the FAA Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Assessment: 60 multiple-choice, 2.5 hours, 70% to pass, computer-based via PSI (official FAA PGL test); this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
- Time limit: 2.5 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 Private Pilot — Glider (PGL) Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAA PGL test and what is on it?
PGL is the FAA Airman Knowledge Test code for the Private Pilot — Glider certificate. It is a 60-question multiple-choice exam covering federal aviation regulations and airspace, glider aerodynamics and soaring performance, aviation weather and lift sources, launch and operating procedures, weight and balance, cross-country soaring, and aeromedical and decision-making topics.
How many questions and how much time does the PGL test allow?
The official FAA PGL knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour time limit. This free practice bank provides 100 selected-response questions so you can drill every knowledge area with more repetition than the official test contains.
What score do I need to pass the PGL knowledge test?
You must score at least 70% to pass the FAA Private Pilot — Glider knowledge test. The test is delivered by computer at PSI testing centers, and you receive an Airman Knowledge Test Report showing your result and any subject codes for missed areas.
How much does the PGL test cost and who administers it?
The FAA airman knowledge test for gliders is administered by PSI at authorized testing centers, with a testing fee of about $175. Confirm the current fee directly with PSI when you schedule, because fees can change.
Do I need a medical certificate or an endorsement to take the PGL test?
No FAA medical certificate is required to exercise glider pilot privileges. Under 14 CFR Part 61 you generally need an instructor endorsement certifying you are prepared before you take the knowledge test, and you must meet the aeronautical experience and training requirements for the glider rating.
Are there any 2026 changes to the FAA PGL test?
As of 2026 the FAA continues to administer the Private Pilot — Glider knowledge test under the code PGL as a 60-question, 2.5-hour, computer-delivered test through PSI with a 70% passing standard. Always verify the current Airman Certification Standards and test details on the FAA website before testing.