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6 Answers

Knowledge tests.

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FAA Regulations

If I have taken the private knowledge test and want to add the glider rating, do I need to take the glider knowledge test? What if it was the other way around?  I have taken the glider knowledge test, do I have to take the private knowledge test to get my private? Thanks.

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6 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Jun 24, 2013

    See 61.63(b)(4).

    You use the term “private knowledge test” and “glider knowledge test”.
    You need to speak in terms of “private airplane knowledge test” or “private helicopter knowledge test” or whatever category/class you are taking instruction in for your private pilot certificate.

    Going from airplane (or any other powered category) to glider, no test is required.
    Going from glider to any powered category, ther is a requirement for an additional knowledge test.

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  2. Andrew on Jun 24, 2013

    Doesn’t the glider test ONLY have questions specific to gliders?
    Doesn’t the private test ONLY have questions specific to small engine, land?

    I found in the FARs were it talks about additional aircraft ratings and your spot on.

    But just talking out loud, I would think, due to the differences in the two aircraft types, that I would have to take both tests. (not that I want to shell out another 150 bucks for the other test)

    Thanks again.

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  3. Andrew on Jun 24, 2013

    Or maybe I should keep quite before to government makes me do just that. ha.

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  4. Kris Kortokrax on Jun 25, 2013

    Sometimes extraneous questions show up. While taking the glider instructor test I encountered a question about gyroplanes.

    Regardless of not needing to take the glider knowledge test for an add-on rating, you will be questioned during the oral on the practical test concerning the information which would have been covered on the knowledge test. It’s not a free pass.

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  5. Andrew on Jun 25, 2013

    No free lunch. Sounds good. Thanks.

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  6. LTCTerry on Jun 25, 2013

    Andrew – do you have a private pilot certificate or have you only taken the private pilot airplane knowledge test? If you have a certificate, then you can add-on a glider rating without an additional knowledge test. if you’ve only taken then “airplane” test, then you will have to take the private pilot glider knowledge exam.

    If you have a private pilot glider certificate and want to become a power pilot, then you will have to take the private pilot airplane knowledge exam.

    Power to glider – no written test
    Glider to power – written test required

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