From e07a553414967d3a090c9b2feea2d1fdfab082a7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Matthias Nott <mnott@mnsoft.org> Date: Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:01:16 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Graphic updates. --- SPL Exam Questions EN/60 - Navigation.md | 383 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------- 1 files changed, 334 insertions(+), 49 deletions(-) diff --git a/SPL Exam Questions EN/60 - Navigation.md b/SPL Exam Questions EN/60 - Navigation.md index 5f84443..4c8c10c 100644 --- a/SPL Exam Questions EN/60 - Navigation.md +++ b/SPL Exam Questions EN/60 - Navigation.md @@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ CET is UTC+1, meaning it is 1 hour ahead of UTC. To convert to UTC, subtract the offset: 1700 CET - 1 hour = 1600 UTC. Switzerland uses CET (UTC+1) in winter and CEST (UTC+2) in summer — knowing the current offset is essential when filing flight plans or reading NOTAMs. -### Q21: Vienna (LOWW) is at 016°34'E and Salzburg (LOWS) at 013°00'E, both at approximately the same latitude. What is the difference in sunrise and sunset times (in UTC) between the two cities? (2,00 P.) ^t60q21 +### Q21: Vienna (LOWW) is at 016°34'E and Salzburg (LOWS) at 013°00'E, both at approximately the same latitude. What is the difference in sunrise and sunset times (in UTC) between the two cities? ^t60q21 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q21) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q21) @@ -423,7 +423,7 @@ #### Key Terms VFR = Visual Flight Rules -### Q23: Given: WCA: -012°; TH: 125°; MC: 139°; DEV: 002°E. Determine TC, MH, and CH. (2,00 P.) ^t60q23 +### Q23: Given: WCA: -012°; TH: 125°; MC: 139°; DEV: 002°E. Determine TC, MH, and CH. ^t60q23 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q23) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q23) @@ -556,7 +556,7 @@ #### Key Terms TC = True Course -### Q29: Given: TC: 183°; WCA: +011°; MH: 198°; CH: 200°. What are TH and VAR? (2,00 P.) ^t60q29 +### Q29: Given: TC: 183°; WCA: +011°; MH: 198°; CH: 200°. What are TH and VAR? ^t60q29 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q29) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q29) @@ -582,7 +582,7 @@ - **TH** = True Heading - **VAR** = Magnetic Variation - **WCA** = Wind Correction Angle -### Q30: Given: TC: 183°; WCA: +011°; MH: 198°; CH: 200°. What are TH and DEV? (2,00 P.) ^t60q30 +### Q30: Given: TC: 183°; WCA: +011°; MH: 198°; CH: 200°. What are TH and DEV? ^t60q30 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q30) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q30) @@ -607,7 +607,7 @@ - **TC** = True Course - **TH** = True Heading - **WCA** = Wind Correction Angle -### Q31: Given: TC: 183°; WCA: +011°; MH: 198°; CH: 200°. Determine VAR and DEV. (2,00 P.) ^t60q31 +### Q31: Given: TC: 183°; WCA: +011°; MH: 198°; CH: 200°. Determine VAR and DEV. ^t60q31 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q31) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q31) @@ -890,28 +890,45 @@ - **ICAO** = International Civil Aviation Organization - **NM** = Nautical Mile(s) - **SPL** = Sailplane Pilot Licence -### Q46: What is the distance from VOR Bruenkendorf (BKD) (53°02'N, 011°33'E) to Pritzwalk (EDBU) (53°11'N, 12°11'E)? ^t60q46 +### Q46: What is the distance from Grenchen (LSZG) to Bern-Belp (LSZB)? ^t60q46 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q46) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q46)  -- A) 42 km -- B) 24 km -- C) 42 NM -- D) 24 NM +> - Grenchen (LSZG): **47°10′54″N 007°25′02″E** +> - Bern-Belp (LSZB): **46°54′50″N 007°30′00″E** + +- A) 8 NM +- B) 12 NM +- C) 16 NM +- D) 25 NM #### Answer -D) +C) #### Explanation -Both points are at nearly the same latitude (~53°N), so the distance can be estimated using the departure formula. The longitude difference is 12°11' - 11°33' = 38' of longitude. At latitude 53°N, the distance per degree of longitude = 60 NM x cos(53°) ≈ 60 x 0.602 ≈ 36.1 NM/degree, so 38' = 0.633° x 36.1 ≈ 22.9 NM. The latitude difference adds a small component. The chart measurement confirms approximately 24 NM, making option D correct. +Use the equirectangular (departure) formula for short legs: + +- Δlat = 47°10′54″ − 46°54′50″ = **16′04″** ≈ **16.1 NM** south (1′ of latitude = 1 NM). +- Δlon = 007°30′00″ − 007°25′02″ = **4′58″** ≈ **5.0′** east. +- At mean latitude ≈ 47°, 1′ of longitude ≈ cos(47°) ≈ **0.68 NM**, so the east component ≈ 5.0 × 0.68 ≈ **3.4 NM**. +- Total distance = √(16.1² + 3.4²) ≈ √(259 + 12) ≈ **16.4 NM**. + +Option **C (16 NM)** is the best match. + +- **A (8 NM)** ignores the dominant latitude component. +- **B (12 NM)** underestimates the leg. +- **D (25 NM)** overshoots; no reasonable calculation yields this result. #### Key Terms -NM = Nautical Mile(s) +- **NM** = Nautical mile (1′ of latitude ≈ 1 NM ≈ 1.852 km). +- **LSZG** = Grenchen aerodrome. +- **LSZB** = Bern-Belp aerodrome. +- **Departure formula**: distance ≈ √((Δlat·60)² + (Δlon·60·cos φ)²) NM, valid for short legs. ### Q47: On an aeronautical chart, 7.5 cm represents 60.745 NM in reality. What is the chart scale? ^t60q47 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q47) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q47) @@ -956,7 +973,7 @@ - **MC** = Magnetic Course - **TC** = True Course - **VAR** = Magnetic Variation -### Q49: Given: True course from A to B: 250°. Ground distance: 210 NM. TAS: 130 kt. Headwind component: 15 kt. ETD: 0915 UTC. What is the ETA? (2,00 P.) ^t60q49 +### Q49: Given: True course from A to B: 250°. Ground distance: 210 NM. TAS: 130 kt. Headwind component: 15 kt. ETD: 0915 UTC. What is the ETA? ^t60q49 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q49) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q49) @@ -1000,7 +1017,6 @@ - **Option A** (1356) would correspond to a GS of about 62 kt; option D (1320) would correspond to a GS of about 113 kt. - Carefully subtracting the headwind from TAS before dividing gives the correct result. -> Source: Segelflugverband der Schweiz - SFCL_Theorie_Navigation_Version_Schweiz_Uebungen.pdf > Download: https://www.segelflug.ch/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SFCL_Theorie_Navigation_Version_Schweiz_Uebungen.pdf. #### Key Terms @@ -1673,6 +1689,8 @@ [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q91) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q91) + + - A) 134.125 - B) 124.7 - C) 120.425 @@ -1680,13 +1698,14 @@ #### Answer -C) +B) #### Explanation -Flying a straight line from Erstfeld northwestward to Fricktal-Schupfart, you traverse multiple CTR and TMA sectors visible on the Swiss ICAO 1:500,000 chart. Each controlled airspace sector has its assigned communication frequency printed on the chart. Counting the control zones sequentially along this route, the third one encountered requires contact on 120.425 MHz (option C). The other frequencies listed correspond to different control zones along other routes or in other positions along this route. +Flying the straight line from Erstfeld northwestward to Fricktal-Schupfart, the route successively crosses Buochs CTR LSZC (119.625), Emmen CTR LSME (118.000) and then enters the Zurich TMA sectors. Of the four options given, **124.7 MHz — ZURICH INFORMATION (TMA LSZH 7)** is the only frequency that is actually printed on the Swiss ICAO 1:500,000 chart along this corridor. It is the frequency to monitor for flight information as you continue northwest into the Zurich Terminal area, which can be read as the "third control zone" along this transit. -> Source: Segelflugverband der Schweiz - SFCL_Theorie_Navigation_Version_Schweiz_Uebungen.pdf > Download: https://www.segelflug.ch/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SFCL_Theorie_Navigation_Version_Schweiz_Uebungen.pdf +> **Note on the source:** The Swiss mock-exam answer key (Examen Blanc Série 1, Questionnaires Spécifiques, Q5 under Navigation) gives 120.425 MHz as the correct answer. That frequency is not on the Swiss ICAO chart anywhere along this route — neither is 134.125 nor 122.45. Only 124.7 (Zurich Info) actually exists on the chart. The source answer key appears to be wrong; we've selected the only defensible option here. + #### Key Terms @@ -1739,6 +1758,8 @@ ### Q94: During a cross-country flight, you must land at Saanen aerodrome (46°29'11"N/007°14'55"E). On which frequency do you establish radio contact? ^t60q94 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q94) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q94) + + - **A)** 121.230 MHz - **B)** 119.175 MHz @@ -1862,6 +1883,8 @@ ### Q99: On a cross-country flight from Birrfeld aerodrome (47°26'N, 008°13'E) you turn at Courtelary aerodrome (47°10'N, 007°05'E). On the return leg you land at Grenchen aerodrome (47°10'N, 007°25'E). According to the Swiss gliding chart, the distance flown is ^t60q99 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q99) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q99) + + - A) 58 km - B) 232 km @@ -2790,6 +2813,8 @@ [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q140) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q140) + + - A) The Sanetsch Pass - B) Sion airport - C) Saanen aerodrome @@ -3299,27 +3324,38 @@ #### Key Terms NM = Nautical Mile(s) -### Q161: What is the distance from VOR Bruenkendorf (BKD) (53°02'N, 011°33'E) to Pritzwalk (EDBU) (53°11'N, 12°11'E)? ^t60q161 +### Q161: What is the approximate distance from Schänis (LSZX) to Sion (LSGS)? ^t60q161 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q161) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q161)  -- A) 42 NM -- B) 42 km -- C) 24 km -- D) 24 NM +> - Schänis (LSZX): **47°10′30″N 009°02′24″E** +> - Sion (LSGS): **46°13′09″N 007°20′07″E** + +- A) 60 NM +- B) 75 NM +- C) 90 NM +- D) 110 NM #### Answer -D) +C) #### Explanation -Using the coordinates: latitude difference = 9' (= 9 NM north-south). Longitude difference = 38'; at latitude 53°N, 1 minute of longitude = cos(53°) NM = approximately 0.60 NM, giving 38 x 0.60 = 22.8 NM east-west. Total distance = sqrt(9^2 + 22.8^2) = sqrt(81 + 520) = sqrt(601) = approximately 24.5 NM, rounded to 24 NM. +This is a classic long alpine glider cross-country. Apply the equirectangular formula: -- **Options A and B** (42 NM/km) are nearly double the actual distance. -- **Option C** (24 km) has the right number but wrong unit — 24 NM equals approximately 44 km, not 24 km. +- Δlat = 47°10′30″ − 46°13′09″ = **57′21″** ≈ **57.4 NM** south. +- Δlon = 009°02′24″ − 007°20′07″ = **1°42′17″** ≈ **102.3′** west. +- Mean latitude ≈ 46.7°, so 1′ of longitude ≈ cos(46.7°) ≈ **0.686 NM**, giving the east component ≈ 102.3 × 0.686 ≈ **70.2 NM**. +- Total distance = √(57.4² + 70.2²) ≈ √(3295 + 4928) ≈ **90.7 NM**. + +Option **C (90 NM)** matches. + +- **A (60 NM)** only accounts for the latitude component. +- **B (75 NM)** underestimates the longitude contribution. +- **D (110 NM)** overshoots — would require a lon factor of ≈1 instead of cos(φ). #### Key Terms @@ -3379,7 +3415,7 @@ - **TAS** = True Airspeed - **NM** = Nautical Mile(s) - **TC** = True Course -### Q164: Which answer completes the flight plan (marked cells)? (3,00 P.) ^t60q164 +### Q164: Which answer completes the flight plan (marked cells)? ^t60q164 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q164) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q164) @@ -3452,28 +3488,38 @@ - **GS** = Ground Speed - **NM** = Nautical Mile(s) -### Q167: What is the true course (TC) from Uelzen (EDVU) (52°59'N, 10°28'E) to Neustadt (EDAN) (53°22'N, 011°37'E)? ^t60q167 +### Q167: What is the true course (TC) from Birrfeld (LSZF) to Grenchen (LSZG)? ^t60q167 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q167) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q167)  -- A) 235° -- B) 241° -- C) 055° -- D) 061° +> - Birrfeld (LSZF): **47°26′35″N 008°14′00″E** +> - Grenchen (LSZG): **47°10′54″N 007°25′02″E** + +- A) 215° +- B) 230° +- C) 245° +- D) 060° #### Answer -D) +C) #### Explanation -Neustadt lies to the north-northeast of Uelzen (higher latitude and further east). Plotting the route from Uelzen to Neustadt on the chart yields a northeast heading of approximately 061°. +Grenchen lies south-west of Birrfeld (lower latitude and further west), so the course must be in the SW quadrant (180°–270°). -- **Option B** (241°) is the reciprocal course (from Neustadt to Uelzen). -- **Option A** (235°) is also a southwest heading, which would be the wrong direction. -- **Option C** (055°) is close but does not match the precise bearing calculated from the chart coordinates. +- Δlat = 47°10′54″ − 47°26′35″ = **−15′41″** ≈ **−15.7 NM** (south component, dN). +- Δlon = 007°25′02″ − 008°14′00″ = **−48′58″** ≈ **−49.0′** (west). +- Mean latitude ≈ 47.3°, so 1′ of longitude ≈ cos(47.3°) ≈ **0.678 NM**, giving the east component ≈ −49.0 × 0.678 ≈ **−33.2 NM** (dE). +- **TC** = atan2(dE, dN) = atan2(−33.2, −15.7) → third-quadrant bearing ≈ **245°**. + +Option **C (245°)** is correct. + +- **A (215°)** is SW but too far south of the true track. +- **B (230°)** is in the right quadrant but underestimates the westerly component. +- **D (060°)** is the reciprocal — the course from Grenchen back to Birrfeld, not the forward direction asked. #### Key Terms @@ -3552,32 +3598,44 @@ #### Key Terms NM = Nautical Mile(s) -### Q171: What is the distance from Neustadt (EDAN) (53°22'N, 011°37'E) to Uelzen (EDVU) (52°59'N, 10°28'E)? ^t60q171 +### Q171: What is the distance from Samedan (LSZS) to Lugano (LSZA)? ^t60q171 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q171) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q171)  -- A) 46 NM -- B) 78 km -- C) 85 km -- D) 46 km +> - Samedan (LSZS): **46°32′04″N 009°53′02″E** +> - Lugano (LSZA): **46°00′15″N 008°54′38″E** + +- A) 35 NM +- B) 45 NM +- C) 51 NM +- D) 65 NM #### Answer -A) +C) #### Explanation -From the coordinates: latitude difference = 23' (= 23 NM north-south). Longitude difference = 69'; at approximately 53°N latitude, 1' of longitude = cos(53°) = 0.602 NM, so 69 x 0.602 = 41.5 NM east-west. Total distance = sqrt(23^2 + 41.5^2) = sqrt(529 + 1722) = sqrt(2251) = approximately 47 NM, rounded to 46 NM on the chart. +Equirectangular approximation across the southern Swiss Alps: -- **Options B and C** (78 km) equal approximately 42 NM, which is too low. -- **Option D** (46 km) has the right number but wrong unit — 46 NM is about 85 km, not 46 km. +- Δlat = 46°32′04″ − 46°00′15″ = **31′49″** ≈ **31.8 NM** south. +- Δlon = 009°53′02″ − 008°54′38″ = **58′24″** ≈ **58.4′** west. +- Mean latitude ≈ 46.3°, so 1′ of longitude ≈ cos(46.3°) ≈ **0.691 NM**, giving the west component ≈ 58.4 × 0.691 ≈ **40.4 NM**. +- Total distance = √(31.8² + 40.4²) ≈ √(1012 + 1630) ≈ **51.4 NM**. + +Option **C (51 NM)** is the best match. + +- **A (35 NM)** only accounts for the latitude component. +- **B (45 NM)** underestimates the longitude contribution. +- **D (65 NM)** overshoots; it would be about right if the longitude were not shortened by cos(φ). #### Key Terms -- **D** — Drag -- **NM** = Nautical Mile(s) +- **NM** = Nautical mile (1′ of latitude ≈ 1 NM ≈ 1.852 km). +- **LSZS** = Samedan aerodrome (Engadin). +- **LSZA** = Lugano aerodrome (Ticino). ### Q172: What does the term terrestrial navigation mean? ^t60q172 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q172) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q172) @@ -3602,3 +3660,230 @@ #### Key Terms VFR = Visual Flight Rules + +--- + +### Q173: What does QNH mean? ^t60q173 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q173) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q173) + +- **A)** The altimeter reads zero when set to QNH on the ground. +- **B)** The altimeter reads the pressure altitude when set to QNH. +- **C)** The altimeter reads zero when airborne after setting QNH. +- **D)** The altimeter reads the aerodrome elevation when set on the ground. + +#### Answer + +D) + +#### Explanation + +QNH is the altimeter setting that causes the altimeter to indicate the field elevation (above mean sea level) when the aircraft is on the ground. In other words, setting QNH on the Kollsman window makes the altimeter read the actual altitude above sea level of the aerodrome. In flight, the altimeter then shows the aircraft's altitude AMSL. + +- **Option A** describes QFE, not QNH (QFE causes the altimeter to read zero on the ground). +- **Options B and C** are incorrect; QNH relates altitude to sea level, not pressure altitude. + +#### Key Terms + +- **QNH** = Altimeter setting for altitude above mean sea level (reads field elevation on ground) +- **QFE** = Altimeter setting that reads zero on the ground at a specific aerodrome +- **AMSL** = Above Mean Sea Level + +--- + +### Q174: You forgot to set the QNH before take-off and are now airborne. What should you do? ^t60q174 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q174) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q174) + +- **A)** Land immediately, as further flight is not permitted. +- **B)** Use the standard pressure setting (1013.25 hPa) for the remainder of the flight. +- **C)** Continue without adjustment; the error is negligible. +- **D)** Request the current QNH by radio and set it on the altimeter. + +#### Answer + +D) + +#### Explanation + +If QNH was not set before departure, the correct action is to request the current QNH via radio (from a ground station, ATIS, or ATC) and set it on the altimeter as soon as possible. Flying with an incorrectly set altimeter poses a safety risk, particularly in mountainous terrain or controlled airspace. + +- **Option A** is too extreme; the situation can be corrected in flight. +- **Option B** (standard setting 1013.25 hPa) is used above the transition altitude, not as a substitute for QNH at low altitudes. +- **Option C** is wrong; the error can be significant depending on local pressure. + +#### Key Terms + +- **QNH** = Local altimeter setting for sea-level altitude reference +- **ATIS** = Automatic Terminal Information Service (broadcasts QNH and weather) +- **Transition altitude** = Altitude below which QNH is used; above which standard setting (1013) applies + +--- + +### Q175: On the Swiss soaring chart, the text "NIL" appears in a soaring zone near Langenthal. What does this mean for cloud separation? ^t60q175 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q175) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q175) + +- **A)** Normal VFR cloud separation distances apply. +- **B)** Flight in cloud is permitted in this zone. +- **C)** Cloud separation is reduced to 150 m horizontal and 100 ft vertical. +- **D)** No flight is permitted when clouds are present. + +#### Answer + +A) + +#### Explanation + +The designation "NIL" in the cloud separation column of a soaring zone on the Swiss soaring chart means that no special (reduced) cloud separation applies - the standard VFR cloud separation distances are required. This contrasts with zones that specify reduced minima (e.g., 150 m / 300 ft). Pilots must apply the full standard VFR cloud clearances in NIL zones. + +- **Options B and C** describe reduced separation conditions, which do not apply when NIL is stated. +- **Option D** is incorrect; NIL does not prohibit flight near clouds, it simply requires standard separation. + +#### Key Terms + +- **NIL** = No reduced cloud separation; standard VFR minima apply +- **Soaring zone** = Designated area on the Swiss soaring chart with specific soaring conditions +- **VFR cloud separation** = Standard visibility and cloud distance requirements for visual flight + +--- + + +### Q176: During which period of the year are Class E airspace soaring periods active in Switzerland? ^t60q176 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q176) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q176) + +- **A)** Year-round, daily from sunrise to sunset. +- **B)** June 1 to September 30. +- **C)** April 1 to October 31. +- **D)** May 1 to August 31. + +#### Answer + +C) + +#### Explanation + +The soaring periods within Class E airspace in Switzerland are active from April 1 to October 31. During this period, designated soaring zones within Class E may be in use by gliders under the conditions published on the Swiss soaring chart. Outside this period, the special soaring provisions do not apply. + +- **Option A** is incorrect; the soaring periods are seasonal, not year-round. +- **Options B and D** give the wrong date ranges. + +#### Key Terms + +- **Class E airspace** = Controlled airspace where IFR flights receive ATC separation; VFR flights may operate without clearance +- **Soaring period** = Season during which special glider soaring conditions apply in Swiss airspace + +--- + +### Q177: When reading the military activity notes on the Swiss soaring chart, what should glider pilots pay particular attention to? ^t60q177 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q177) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q177) + +- **A)** Weekday morning activity hours only. +- **B)** Night flights, especially during winter months. +- **C)** Weekend activity during summer holidays. +- **D)** Instrument approach procedures at military aerodromes. + +#### Answer + +B) + +#### Explanation + +Military activity notes on the Swiss soaring chart include information about night operations, which are particularly relevant in winter when darkness falls earlier. Glider pilots should be aware of military night training flights in certain areas, as these may affect airspace availability or safety. The notes indicate periods and types of military activity that are not standard daytime operations. + +- **Option A** is incomplete; military activity can occur outside weekday mornings. +- **Options C and D** are not the primary focus of these notes for glider pilots. + +#### Key Terms + +- **Military activity notes** = Annotations on the Swiss soaring chart describing military operations in specific areas +- **Night operations** = Military flights conducted during darkness, relevant for airspace management + +--- + +### Q178: Who is responsible for activating the Dittingen-Nord soaring sector? ^t60q178 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q178) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q178) + +- **A)** The nearest ATC centre. +- **B)** The Swiss NOTAM office (AIS). +- **C)** The airfield duty officer (chef de place). +- **D)** The regional gliding federation representative. + +#### Answer + +C) + +#### Explanation + +The Dittingen-Nord soaring sector is activated by the airfield duty officer (chef de place / Platzchef) at Dittingen aerodrome. This local activation process is typical for Swiss soaring sectors that are tied to specific aerodromes - the on-site responsible person coordinates the activation of the sector based on actual soaring activity. This information is published on the Swiss soaring chart. + +- **Options A and B** involve ATC/AIS, which manage instrument and controlled airspace, not local soaring sector activations. +- **Option D** is not the defined responsible authority for sector activation. + +#### Key Terms + +- **Chef de place** = Airfield duty officer responsible for local aerodrome operations +- **Dittingen-Nord** = Soaring sector near Dittingen aerodrome in northwestern Switzerland +- **Sector activation** = Process by which a soaring sector is put into use for the day + +--- + + +### Q179: What is the radio frequency used by retrieve teams operating in the Alps? ^t60q179 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q179) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q179) + +- **A)** 121.500 MHz (emergency frequency). +- **B)** 123.500 MHz (air-to-air). +- **C)** 122.475 MHz. +- **D)** 126.700 MHz (Swiss gliding common frequency). + +#### Answer + +C) + +#### Explanation + +The frequency 122.475 MHz is designated for retrieve teams (ground crews picking up landed-out gliders) operating in the Alps region. This frequency allows the pilot and retrieve crew to communicate when outside normal gliding club radio range. It is published on the Swiss soaring chart and in relevant Swiss aeronautical information. + +- **Option A** (121.5 MHz) is the international emergency/distress frequency and must not be used for routine communication. +- **Option B** (123.5 MHz) is used for general air-to-air communication, not specifically retrieve operations. +- **Option D** is not the designated retrieve frequency. + +#### Key Terms + +- **Retrieve team** = Ground crew responsible for collecting a glider and pilot after an off-field landing +- **122.475 MHz** = Retrieve team frequency for Alpine operations (published on Swiss soaring chart) + +--- + +### Q180: Where can a glider pilot find information about soaring conditions and procedures in Class D and Class C airspace in Switzerland? ^t60q180 + +[DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q180) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/60%20-%20Navigation.md#^t60q180) + +- **A)** In the soaring weather bulletin. +- **B)** In the GAFOR forecast. +- **C)** On the KOSIF system. +- **D)** On the Swiss soaring chart. + +#### Answer + +D) + +#### Explanation + +Information about soaring conditions and procedures in Class D and Class C airspace in Switzerland is published on the Swiss soaring chart (1:300,000). This chart contains the soaring sectors, altitude limits, frequencies, activation periods, and special conditions applicable to gliders in controlled airspace. + +- **Option A** (soaring weather bulletin) provides general or meteorological information, not airspace-specific details. +- **Option B** (GAFOR) is a meteorological forecast for general aviation routing, not airspace information. +- **Option C** (KOSIF) is a military information system, not intended for this type of soaring information. + +#### Key Terms + +- **Class D** = Controlled airspace (ATC clearance required, full services provided) +- **Class C** = Controlled airspace (separation for all flights, clearance required) +- **Swiss soaring chart** = 1:300,000 aeronautical chart specifically for glider pilots in Switzerland +- **GAFOR** = General Aviation FORecast (route weather forecast) -- Gitblit v1.3.1