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Commercial Helo to Glider

Asked by: 2233 views Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, General Aviation

Hey there, I'm holding a CPL Helicopter and a PP Fixed-Wing, was wondering my requirements for getting my CPL Glider??  I have about 1900hrs fixed-wing, and 11hrs glider but the glider time was from about 25 years ago,  Thanks in advance!!

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on May 24, 2017

    For this, you would be adding an aircraft category to your existing Commercial certificate. Therefore, your first stop is 61.63, which basically says you must meet the training and experience requirements, must take a checkride, but do not have to take a written test.

    To determine the experience requirements for Commercial Pilots, you go to 61.129:

    ———-
    (f)For a glider rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a glider category rating must log at least –

    (1) 25 hours of flight time as a pilot in a glider and that flight time must include at least 100 flights in a glider as pilot in command, including at least –

    (i) Three hours of flight training in a glider with an authorized instructor or 10 training flights in a glider with an authorized instructor on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(6) of this part, including at least 3 training flights in a glider with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and

    (ii) 2 hours of solo flight that include not less than 10 solo flights in a glider on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(6) of this part; or

    (2) 200 hours of flight time as a pilot in heavier-than-air aircraft and at least 20 flights in a glider as pilot in command, including at least –

    (i) Three hours of flight training in a glider or 10 training flights in a glider with an authorized instructor on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(6) of this part including at least 3 training flights in a glider with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test; and

    (ii) 5 solo flights in a glider on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(6) of this part.

    —————

    Your previous glider flights count toward these requirements in the respective areas. Your other flying time counts toward the “200 hours” requirement.

    Basically, how it would likely go is you’d receive some training from an instructor, who would ultimately sign you off for a 61.31(d)(2) solo endorsement:

    ———-
    (d)Aircraft category, class, and type ratings: Limitations on operating an aircraft as the pilot in command. To serve as the pilot in command of an aircraft, a person must –

    (1) Hold the appropriate category, class, and type rating (if a class or type rating is required) for the aircraft to be flown; or

    (2) Have received training required by this part that is appropriate to the pilot certification level, aircraft category, class, and type rating (if a class or type rating is required) for the aircraft to be flown, and have received an endorsement for solo flight in that aircraft from an authorized instructor.
    ————

    At which time you would go fly solo for a while to fill many of the remaining experience requirements. Then get back with the instructor to cover any remaining requirements and checkride prep.

    I’d bet any soaring club or school could lay out a good path forward, this has to be something they face routinely (glider ratings are common add-ons for existing pilots).

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  2. haliaeetus70 on Jun 17, 2017

    Thanks for your reply Russ! A big help!

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