On Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 10:24:29 PM UTC-6, Bill T wrote:
If by Bill, you mean me?

It is my understanding that The FAA no longer considers a pilot with a certificate, a student. They are a rated pilot in search of additional ratings.
Hence they do not require a written test going from airplane to glider. As shown in other posts on RAS, the way to be considered a student is to turn in all your certificates and start from scratch, a student, complete with written tests and student limitations,

BillT

Thank BillT, but I have yet to see any documentation that supports this "Understanding"

The issue of course is that a rated pilot without a current flight review can not solo under FAR 61.31. But all they need is the ability to Solo using Student pilot privileges to complete the requirements to take a check ride..

The FAA could fix this very easily with a letter that states (or revokes previous understandings) that Student pilot privileges are included with any higher certificate. Then there is no need for a pilot to use FAR 61.31 to solo, since they can complete their solo requirement under FAR 61.87 instead..

Brian