PPG Tandem Instructor

Test your PPG Tandem Instructor skills and knowledge with this test.

Important: If you are a USPPA member, please make sure you are logged in to your account BEFORE you take the test. If you are not logged in, your test results will not be linked to your membership account.

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Your NameYour EmailInstructor NameInstructor Email

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1) The wing you choose for flying tandem is critical. What are some important considerations to keep in mind when selecting a wing? (select all that apply)

You must be able to reach the brake toggles.

Tandem wings must be flown in their manufacturer recommended weight range.

Smaller, more heavily loaded models reduce takeoff speed.

Tandem gliders typically have shorter risers to make reaching the brakes easier.

Larger gliders are easier to inflate.

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2) Any tandem setup must ensure the following: (check all that apply)

That the instructor can reach the brakes from their stowed position inflight.

That the student stays directly in front of the instructor and doesn't swing out to the sides or behind.

That the student can operate the trimmers inflight.

That the student can start or stop the motor from his inflight seating.

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3) With most paramotors, what happens as you burn fuel during flight?

The center of gravity changes slightly and the front passenger (foot-launch) or front wheel(s) (wheel-launch) will be slightly lower.

The center of gravity changes slightly and the front passenger (foot-launch) or front wheel(s) (wheel-launch) will be slightly higher.

As you burn fuel, it will have no effect on center of gravity or tilt angle.

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4) Relative to a solo glider, the time it takes for a tandem glider to oscillate from left to right is...

Longer/slower than a solo glider.

About the same as a solo glider.

Shorter/faster than a solo glider.

Tandem wings do not oscillate.

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5) Relative to a solo glider, the time it takes to swing under the glider during landing flare is...

It may take longer to swing under on a tandem wing due to longer lines.

It takes a shorter amount of time to swing under on a tandem wing.

It takes the same amount of time regardless of what size the wing is.

It's not a factor that we need to worry about when flying tandem.

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6) When flying foot launc, tandem pilots should...

Avoid flying downwind less than 100' above the ground.

Avoid flying upwind less than 50' above the ground.

Avoid flying crosswind less than 100' above the ground.

There is no difference from a solo wing for height above the ground.

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7) Relative to a solo glider, rapid descent maneuvers (Big ears, B-line stall, Spiral dives) on a tandem wing are:

The same level of difficulty.

More difficult to do.

Slightly easier to do.

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8) Which statements are true regarding carabiners for tandem flight? (select all that apply)

Should be stronger than the carabiners used for solo flight.

Should be replaced on a regular basis.

Need to only be replaced if scratches or cracks are observed.

Should be of the "Quick-out" variety.

Have failed on tandem flights causing fatalities.

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9) Which statement is true regarding the brake pressure you'll feel on a tandem wing vs a solo wing?

The brake pressure will feel the same as what you feel on a solo wing.

The brake pressure will feel stiffer/stronger than what you feel on a solo wing.

The brake pressure will feel lighter/weaker than what you feel on a solo wing.

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10) In general, the maneuverability of a tandem glider compared to a solo glider is typically...

Worse than a solo glider.

About the same as a solo glider if the weight range is adhered to.

Slightly better than a solo glider.

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11) Tandem flights are useful for teaching students how to get out of an oscillation. What is the best way to teach this?

This is not an important skill at this stage of training so just avoid oscillations altogether.

The instructor takes control of the brake toggles and has the student watch the corrective inputs. (Student observes the inputs)

Have the student talk you through the technique but don't allow them to touch the brakes so they don't make the oscillation worse.

Have the student take control of the brake toggles and the instructor can also place hands on the brake toggles to demonstrate the corrective inputs. (Student feels the inputs)

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12) When doing tandem flights, which statements are true? (check all that apply)

Only transfer control when it is safe to do so.

Ensure a positive control transfer and that each person knows who is flying. (Instructor says "you have the controls" and student acknowledges "I have the controls")

Give the student control when they are not expecting it.

The instructor should always have the controls during a tandem flight.

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13) What is the legal implication of flying while taking medications? (Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge - Chapter 17)

While it would be unwise, there is no legal reason that prohibits it.

FAR 103 prohibits ANY flying while using any substance that advises against driving or operating machinery.

FAR 103 prohibits flying while using any drug that's not on its approved list.

If the medication affects flying, it would violate FAR 103.9 - Hazardous Operations

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14) Which statement is true regarding the transfer of control to a student?

Ensure a positive transfer is verbalized by you AND the student. ("You have the controls", "I have the controls")

Periodically surprise the student by handing over the control without notification.

Help the student by applying brake pressure without any explanation so that maneuvers are always done properly.

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15) Which statements are true regarding getting paid to fly tandem? (select all that apply)

You can be paid to fly with a photographer as long as the passenger is also a pilot.

You can be paid to take up a passenger for a pleasure flight.

You can be paid to take a passenger as long as the purpose of the flight is instructional.

You cannot be paid under any circumstances for doing a tandem flight.

You cannot be paid to do a tandem flight unless you also have a commercial pilot license from the FAA.

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16) What does CG stand for?

Calculated gravitus - where the mass is centered in one particular axis

Center of gravity - where the mass is centered in one particular axis

Center of gravity - where the mass would balance from if hung from a wire

Calculated gravitus - where the mass would balance from if hung from a wire

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17) Regarding CG in tandem operations where the instructor is in the rear, moving the passenger forward will do what?

Tends to make the student lift off LAST

Tends to make the student lift off FIRST

Tends to aggravate the affects of torque

Tends to make launch easier

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18) Before flying a passenger the best way to ensure proper inflight hang angle is

Prior to flight, do a hang test with the student as he will be flown

Have a system in place where adjustments can be made during the launch run.

Have an automated system that adjusts balance upon loading the wing

Have one secure attachment position and brief the student on what will happen at liftoff.

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19) Which tandem flights REQUIRE informing the student of certain operational rules

ALL tandem flights

First tandem flight with a new student

First tandem flights with a student in last 90 days

All tandem flights conducted under FAR part 61

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20) Rotational inertia

Is higher if a weight (mass) is farther from the center of rotation

Is less if a weight (mass) is farther from the center of rotation

Is generally less on tandem flights

Does not affect MOTOR tandem operations

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21) Regarding incidents or Accidents (check all that apply):

You are REQUIRED to report any incident, accident involving a tandem flight.

Identifying information is NEVER publicized and does not even need to be reported.

We RECOMMEND reporting any incident, accident or malfunction involving a tandem that you observe.

Reports can be submitted to the Incident database on the USPPA website.

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22) Regarding pay, a Tandem Trainee may

Not get paid to fly tandem

Get paid to fly tandem if the student is at least a USPPA PPG 1 student

Get paid to fly tandem if the student is at least a USPPA PPG 2 pilot

Get paid to fly tandem on any tandem flight for which they are qualified

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23) A Tandem Trainee may fly tandem with the following as passengers (select all that apply):

A USPPA certified PPG 2 or higher pilot

A non-rated student who has at least started paramotor training

Any student pilot who has been properly briefed

A USPPA certified Tandem Administrator

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24) The USPPA Tandem exemption exempts what

FAR 103.1(a) and (b) for solo operations and weight limit

FAR 103.1(a) only for solo operations

FAR 103.1 and FAR 91.013 only for solo and commercial operations

FAR 103.3 and FAR 91.013 only for solo and commercial operations

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25) The FAA Tandem Exemptions for all organizations...

Must be renewed every 2 years and may be rescinded by the FAA at any time.

Are good until further notice.

Are now a permanent part of FAR 103 and 91.013 unless rescinded.

Are now a permanent part of FAR 103.

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26) Hazard is

a condition, circumstance or event that could increase risk

A TV show's fictional county in texas

the assessment of a condition, circumstance or event.

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27) Flying a machine that exceeds 254 pounds:

is permitted only while a tandem machine is being used for tandems

is permitted only to allow heavier occupants

is not permitted under FAR Part 103

violates the Light Sport rule

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28) Which of these are hazardous attitudes for flying? (select all that apply):

Invulnerability "It won't happen to me"

Impulsivity: "Do SOMETHING, and do it now"

Macho: "I can do it"

Resignation: "What's the use"

Anti-authority: "Don't tell me"

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29) Tandem instructors must carry (select all that apply)

Copy of FAA tandem license

Copy of FCC authorization if using FRS radios for communications

Copy of the FAR/AIM regulations

Copy of the current FAA Tandem Exemption issued to USPPA

Copy of USPPA Authorization as Tandem Instructor (Tandem Rating)

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30) One of your top critical tasks is

To have a system in place that insures you and the student are clipped in properly prior to launch

To have a quick release system that can be used under load

To have a manual emergency release for the student in case of ground drag

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31) Which source is a useful read to understand risk management?

Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge - Chapter 2. By the FAA

Present Hazards and Aeronautical Knowledge.

Aeronautical Information Manual - Chapter 2.

Present Hazards and Aeronautical Knowledge - Chapter 2.

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32) An important way to assess risk includes understanding

Likelihood and severity

Weather factors vs weather forecasts

Weather impact and instructor skill

Quality control or preflight and inflight factors

Your score is

PPG Tandem Instructor

Written Test