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4 Answers

Glider Time.

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FAA Regulations

How much of my glider flying time can be used toward a PPL?

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4 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Jul 03, 2013

    91.109(a) calls for a total of 40 hours of “flight time” with 20 hours consisting of “flight training.” That “general” flight time and general “flight training” would include your glider flight time and training.

    BUT… all of the breakdowns – 3 hrs cross country training, 3 hours hood training, 10 hours solo for example – specify that they need to be done in a single engine airplane. So, once you’ve satisfied all of the requirements in 91.109(a)(1)-(a)(5), if you still didn’t have 40 hours and 20 of instruction, you could use the glider time to make up the difference.

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  2. LTCTerry on Jul 04, 2013

    Mark – flight time can be accumulated in a variety of aircraft, including gliders and single engine aircraft. Only the items required to be in a single engine airplane must be in a single engine airplane.

    Most people require far more than the minimum 40 hours of required flight time, so “making up the difference” is a moot point, but you have answered your own question.

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  3. LTCTerry on Jul 04, 2013

    For proper rigorousness, my first sentence above should have said “…including gliders and single engine AIRPLANES.”

    Wasn’t really wrong, but wasn’t really accurate or on point. Sorry, don’t know how to edit a post yet.

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  4. Mark Kolber on Jul 04, 2013

    Terry, I think that’s exactly what I said in my answer.

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