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FAA Sport Pilot Glider Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Sport Pilot Glider Knowledge Test (SPI) practice material addresses glider-flight knowledge, from interpreting instruments and recognizing useful rising air to managing turns and coordinating controls. Its question bank also samples launch preparation, aerotow response, airspace equipment, weather reports, and cross-country landing-site planning.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeSPI
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Sport Pilot Glider Knowledge Test Exam

Glider pilots must interpret flight indications in context: an altimeter set to the local pressure setting indicates altitude relative to the applicable pressure reference, while a displaced yaw string signals sideslip that coordinated rudder input can reduce. In a coordinated, constant-speed turn, increasing bank raises load factor, an aerodynamic consideration when maneuvering. Flight decisions also involve identifying ridge lift, checking conditions in aviation weather observations, and selecting reachable landing fields along a cross-country route. Launch and tow operations require checklist discipline and prompt attention to changes in towplane sound; the appropriate response depends on the situation and established procedures. Other sampled knowledge includes transponder purpose in applicable airspace and hearing protection around prolonged ground noise. Together, these subjects connect basic aerodynamics and instrument interpretation with practical risk management before launch and in flight.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

What is the main purpose of using a checklist before launching a glider?

  1. ATo replace the need for a preflight inspection.
  2. BTo help ensure critical actions and configuration items are completed consistently.
  3. CTo determine the day’s thermal strength.
  4. DTo guarantee that no equipment failure can occur.
Show answerCorrect answer: B

A checklist supports a consistent procedure and helps prevent omissions, including configuration or readiness errors. It supplements, rather than replaces, inspection and judgment.

Question 2

When flying near a ridge, which condition most commonly produces rising air that a glider may use for lift?

  1. AWind blowing toward and up the windward slope
  2. BWind blowing down the leeward slope only
  3. CCalm air over the ridge crest
  4. DA tailwind descending the windward slope
Show answerCorrect answer: A

When wind encounters a ridge, it is forced upward along the windward side, creating ridge lift. Conditions can vary, and turbulence or sink may occur near the ridge and on its lee side.

Question 3

What information does an altimeter primarily provide when set to the local altimeter setting?

  1. AHeight above the nearest terrain
  2. BAltitude referenced to mean sea level
  3. CDistance from the launch point
  4. DVertical speed
Show answerCorrect answer: B

With the local altimeter setting entered, the altimeter indicates pressure altitude adjusted to approximate altitude above mean sea level. It does not directly show height above the terrain beneath the aircraft.

Question 4

What is the principal reason a glider pilot should use hearing protection during prolonged exposure to loud launch or ground-operation noise?

  1. ATo prevent noise-induced hearing damage and reduce fatigue.
  2. BTo make the glider’s airspeed indicator more accurate.
  3. CTo increase the radio’s transmitting power.
  4. DTo prevent changes in atmospheric pressure.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Loud noise can damage hearing, and prolonged exposure can contribute to fatigue and reduced concentration. Appropriate hearing protection helps mitigate those risks during noisy operations.

Question 5

During a coordinated, constant-speed turn, what happens to the load factor as the bank angle increases?

  1. AIt decreases because the wings support less weight in a turn.
  2. BIt remains at 1 G regardless of bank angle.
  3. CIt increases because the wings must provide additional lift to maintain altitude.
  4. DIt becomes zero when the turn is coordinated.
Show answerCorrect answer: C

In a level turn, the lift vector is tilted. Its vertical component must still balance weight, so total lift and load factor increase as bank angle increases.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a transponder when operating in airspace where its use is required or requested?

  1. ATo measure the glider’s rate of climb.
  2. BTo transmit aircraft identification and altitude information to surveillance systems, as equipped.
  3. CTo provide voice communication with other aircraft.
  4. DTo replace the need to see and avoid other aircraft.
Show answerCorrect answer: B

A transponder replies to surveillance interrogations and can provide coded identification and, when equipped and operating appropriately, pressure-altitude data. It does not replace see-and-avoid responsibilities.

Question 7

A glider pilot notices the yaw string is displaced to the right. Which control input generally helps align the glider with its direction of travel?

  1. AApply right rudder
  2. BApply left rudder
  3. CApply more back pressure
  4. DExtend the airbrakes fully
Show answerCorrect answer: B

A yaw string indicates airflow direction relative to the glider’s nose. If it is displaced to the right, the nose is yawed left of the airflow; left rudder helps bring the nose back into alignment. Coordinated control should be maintained.

How to use this practice test

The free SPI practice session draws up to 20 random questions from a 50-question bank and displays results when the session ends. Use the results to identify gaps in topics such as yaw coordination, load factor, weather interpretation, launch checks, and landing-field selection, then revisit those concepts before another session.

Preparation tips

  • Review how coordinated rudder and aileron inputs affect yaw string alignment and sideslip during turns.
  • Work through the relationship between bank angle, load factor, and the aerodynamic demands of a coordinated turn.
  • Practice interpreting altimeter settings and aviation weather terms, including the meaning of a broken ceiling.
  • Plan sample cross-country routes by identifying reachable landing fields and considering ridge-lift conditions.
  • Rehearse launch and aerotow decision scenarios, including checklist use and responses to an unexpected towplane sound change.
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