PPG Tandem Foot Launch – Test

PPG Tandem Instructor - Foot Launch

Test your PPG Tandem Instructor FL knowledge with this test.

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1) When landing a foot-launch tandem, what is an important thing to consider?

To have the student be prepared to turn around.

To have the student take the controls to kite the wing.

To have the student hold the risers to stay out of your way.

To hold the student to prevent falling if the wing starts pulling in an unwanted direction.

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2) Why is it important to do a preflight briefing with your student/passenger before flight?

The student may run to exhaustion which will make the landing more difficult.

The student must know to continue running until completely airborne.

The student must know to get in the seat as soon as they feel any lift.

The student must know which controls to apply during the takeoff run.

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3) Launch assistance is useful, but the helpers have been seriously injured by the prop. To mitigate that risk (check all that apply)

Brief them to hook their hand or arm around something while pulling.

Tell them about the extreme propeller risk.

Tell them where to hold and how to get away immediately after letting go.

Make sure they only pull with something that can be released easily.

ONLY let them pull on the outmost hoop of the cage.

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4) Besides good judgment, what is the most important skill you can have to ensure safe tandem flights?

A high level of wing handling (ground handling) skill.

Having the newest and most appropriate equipment.

Having a thorough understanding of weather and meteorology.

Having the ability to do big wingovers and aggressive maneuvers on your solo wing.

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5) High wind operations on tandems (select all that apply):

Increase the risk of being dragged because of the large wing.

Are especially risky because the instructor must also take into account the fact that the student doesn't know what to do.

Are more manageable than solo because the tandem gliders are easier to manage.

Are best conducted in the shadow of a tree line or building.

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6) Foot launching in moderately strong winds: (check all that apply)

Will be easier if you have trained assistants to help.

Is less susceptible to turbulence with upwind obstructions.

Carries risk that is dramatically dependent on the tandem pilots skill.

In general, it's riskier than low wind launches even for skilled pilots.

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7) What is the most important structural concern for tandem flights?

A secure connection of the paramotor to the instructors harness.

A secure connection from the wing to the paramotor frame.

A secure connection from wing to the instructor and student harnesses.

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8) Foot launched tandem is difficult because: (check all that apply)

The pilot and passenger need to run fast while not tripping each other in the process.

Students/passengers frequently stop running too early and/or sits down before liftoff.

The larger wing is usually lightly loaded.

The larger wing has longer lines and takes more time to bring the wing completely overhead.

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9) What are some other factors to take into consideration when doing a foot launch tandem? (check all that apply)

The tandem pilot should always carry a copy of the FAA exemption letter and proof or their tandem rating in order to be legal.

Tandem pilots can get distracted from their ordinary safety checks because of the passenger.

A larger wing is more lightly loaded making it more prone to collapse.

The heavier weight dramatically reduces climb performance over obstructions.

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10) Foot launching in zero wind...

Is the easiest, least risky time to launch.

Is among the riskier and more difficult launches.

Requires the least amount of power.

Is the perfect time to take up the less athletic students.

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11) What is the number one (most common) cause for failing a tandem launch and possible injury?

Student/passenger stops running and/or sits early during the launch.

Collision with obstructions.

Prop injury to student while starting the motor.

Line burns from handling the large tandem wing.

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12) Aside from distributing the load, what is one of the benefits of using a tandem bar?

It prevents the student from falling.

The bar helps keep the student running in the desired place & direction.

It gives the student a place to put their legs after launch or landing.

It prevents damage to a machine if the student stops running.

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13) What are some of the important things you can say/mention in a briefing before doing a foot launch tandem? (check all that apply)

"When you start to feel lifted, you will be tempted to sit. Don't do it, keep on running until I tell you."

"As we run, you don't need to pull us like a horse pulling a carriage, you need to just keep your knees up as you're being pushed forward."

"If you think we need to go right, just start running right and I'll follow you."

"Once you start to feel like you're being lifted up, lift your legs so I can run full speed."

"This is where/how you'll want to place your hands during launch and landing."

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14) Which statements are true regarding tandem spreader bars? (select all that apply)

Spreader bars help keep the student some distance forward of the instructor.

They come in MANY varieties and should be tested on a simulator before first flight on a different/new motor.

They only carry the weight of the passenger.

They only carry the weight of the pilot.

Your score is

Tandem Foot Launch

Written Test