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100+ Free FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Practice Questions

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Key Facts: FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Exam

FIG

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

100 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

2.5 Hours (150 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA FIG Flight Instructor Glider Knowledge Test with 100 realistic practice questions covering FOI integration, Part 61 instructor regulations, polar curves, MacCready speed-to-fly, tow launch safety, weight & balance, and soaring meteorology. The official test contains 100 questions with a 2.5-hour time limit and 70% passing score.

Sample FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI), how is 'learning' formally defined?
A.A change in behavior as a result of experience
B.The memorization of factual data for an examination
C.The passive reception of information from an instructor
D.The ability to perform a complex task without error
Explanation: Learning is formally defined in the FAA Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9) as a change in behavior as a result of experience. Effective learning leads to a permanent change in how a student perceives, thinks, and acts.
2Which Law of Learning states that a student learns best when strongly motivated and ready to learn?
A.Law of Readiness
B.Law of Primacy
C.Law of Effect
D.Law of Intensity
Explanation: The Law of Readiness states that individuals learn best when they possess a strong purpose, clear objective, and active readiness to learn. Instructors must create motivation and explain the reason for learning each task.
3Why must a flight instructor ensure that a glider student performs maneuvers correctly on the very first attempt, according to the Law of Primacy?
A.Unlearning incorrect habits learned initially is extremely difficult
B.Initial learning takes place faster when performed at maximum speed
C.Students retain only information learned in the final minutes of a briefing
D.First impressions are temporary and easily replaced by subsequent practice
Explanation: The Law of Primacy dictates that the first thing learned creates an almost unshakable impression. If a student pilot learns an incorrect procedure or technique first, unlearning it later requires significantly more time and effort.
4A student glider pilot blames a poor off-field landing on 'flawed wind forecasts' rather than admitting to inadequate pattern planning. Which defense mechanism is being exhibited?
A.Rationalization
B.Denial
C.Displacement
D.Compensation
Explanation: Rationalization is a subconscious defense mechanism where an individual devises plausible or socially acceptable excuses to justify unacceptable behavior or failure, avoiding responsibility for poor judgment.
5Which defense mechanism involves a student attempting to disguise a weak area of flight proficiency by excelling in or emphasizing a different, unrelated skill?
A.Compensation
B.Projection
C.Repression
D.Reaction Formation
Explanation: Compensation is the process of psychologically balancing perceived weaknesses by emphasizing strength in another area. For example, a student struggling with aerotow positioning may overemphasize their knowledge of soaring meteorology.
6An instructor uses specialized soaring acronyms and high-level aerodynamic jargon during a preflight briefing with a zero-time primary student, causing confusion. Which barrier to effective communication has occurred?
A.Lack of common experience
B.Interference from physical noise
C.Confusion between the symbol and the symbolized object
D.Overuse of emotional appeals
Explanation: The lack of common experience between instructor and student is a major barrier to communication. Terms, technical jargon, and concepts familiar to an experienced CFI may be completely meaningless to a beginner.
7What are the four basic levels of learning, arranged from lowest level of mastery to highest?
A.Rote, Understanding, Application, Correlation
B.Recall, Comprehension, Analysis, Synthesis
C.Memorization, Demonstration, Practice, Mastery
D.Observation, Habit, Skill, Automaticity
Explanation: The four levels of learning in the FAA Aviation Instructor's Handbook are Rote (ability to repeat back), Understanding (comprehending meaning), Application (ability to perform), and Correlation (associating learned concepts with other segments or total flight environment).
8A glider student pilot encounters unexpected sink on cross-country final glide and correctly applies MacCready speed adjustments while choosing an alternate landing field. What level of learning is being demonstrated?
A.Correlation
B.Application
C.Understanding
D.Rote
Explanation: Correlation is the highest level of learning. It occurs when a student connects previously learned theories (polar curves, weather, field selection) and applies them dynamically to resolve novel, real-world flight scenarios.
9Which characteristic of an effective flight critique requires that the instructor remain unbiased, personal feelings aside, evaluating student performance strictly against objective standards?
A.Objective
B.Flexible
C.Comprehensive
D.Constructive
Explanation: An effective critique must be Objective. It must focus entirely on performance evaluated against established standards (such as the ACS/PTS), suppressing personal bias, sympathy, or annoyance.
10In the Student-Led Critique method, how does the instructor structure the post-flight debriefing?
A.The student leads the discussion by self-evaluating performance before the instructor provides feedback
B.The instructor presents a lecture while the student takes notes without interrupting
C.Peer students critique the flight while the primary student remains silent
D.The instructor lists all errors committed in chronological order starting with preflight
Explanation: In a Student-Led Critique, the instructor asks the student to analyze and evaluate their own performance first. This builds critical self-assessment skills essential for post-certification PIC decision-making.

About the FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Exam

The FAA FIG Knowledge Test evaluates candidates seeking a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Glider rating under 14 CFR Part 61. The exam tests instructional knowledge (FOI integration), flight instructor regulations and endorsements, glider aerodynamics, polar curves, MacCready speed-to-fly theory, launch methods (aero-tow, winch, auto-tow), flight controls, weight and balance, soaring weather (thermals, wave, ridge), airspace rules, and emergency procedures.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering instructional principles, 14 CFR Part 61/91 regulations, glider aerodynamics, launch safety, soaring weather, and flight maneuvers.

Time Limit

2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$175 (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / PSI Services)

FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Exam Content Outline

30%

FOI & Part 61 Glider Instructor Regulations

Learning process, human behavior, effective instruction, student endorsements, logbook records, Part 61 instructor privileges, limitations, and flight review requirements.

25%

Glider Aerodynamics, Speed-to-Fly & Stall/Spin Dynamics

Polar curve analysis, L/D max, minimum sink speed, MacCready ring calculations, headwind/tailwind speed adjustment, stall aerodynamics, and spin recovery.

25%

Launch Methods, Controls & Weight and Balance

Aero-tow, Winch, and Auto-tow procedures, weak link breaking strength, emergency signals, flight control systems (spoilers, airbrakes, trim), and weight & balance CG calculations.

20%

Soaring Weather, Airspace & Off-Field Landings

Thermal dynamics, mountain wave rotor, ridge lift soaring rules, Class A-G airspace weather minimums, oxygen requirements, and off-field emergency field selection.

How to Pass the FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering instructional principles, 14 CFR Part 61/91 regulations, glider aerodynamics, launch safety, soaring weather, and flight maneuvers.
  • Time limit: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $175

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FAA FIG Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Glider Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize 14 CFR Part 61 student pilot endorsements required for solo, solo cross-country, and practical tests in gliders.
2Master glider polar curve analysis to calculate minimum sink speed, L/D max, and MacCready speed-to-fly ring settings under varying headwind and sink conditions.
3Understand towline weak link ratings (80% to 120% of glider maximum certificated gross weight) for aero-tow and winch launches.
4Practice weight and balance CG calculations involving removable nose ballast, tail ballast, and pilot weight limits.
5Review soaring meteorology including thermal convective lapse rates, mountain wave cloud formations, and ridge soaring right-of-way rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA FIG Knowledge Test?

The FAA FIG Knowledge Test is the written examination required for initial certification as a Flight Instructor with a Glider rating under 14 CFR Part 61.

How many questions are on the official FAA FIG exam and what is the passing score?

The official exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour (150 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (70 correct out of 100).

What prerequisites are required to take the FAA FIG exam?

Candidates must hold at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Glider rating, or a Private Pilot Certificate with a Glider rating meeting Part 61 experience requirements for flight instructor applicant qualification.

Do I need to take the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) exam as well?

Yes, unless you hold a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate, hold a teacher's certificate at the 7th-grade level or higher, or meet another 14 CFR 61.183 exemption, you must also pass the FOI exam.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the FIG knowledge test?

No. The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix publishes the test code, question count, minimum age, allotted time and passing score, but no percentage breakdown by subject. The content outline and percentages shown on this page describe how this free practice bank distributes its questions across the knowledge areas drawn from the applicable FAA testing supplement, Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards, and the FAA handbooks for this test.