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Old May 23rd 16, 08:57 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default Glider rating to LSA rating

It is spelled out right in the FARs and 61.303 even provides a graph:

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieve....2#sp14.2.61.j

If you are have a Recreational or greater in one category (Private, Commercial, ATP) you may receive additional training from an instructor leading to an endorsement which would allow you to take a proficiency check as described under 61.321 with a separate instructor. There is no examiner required but they should follow the Practical Test Standards to ensure you are qualified and they must endorse your logbook and complete an 8710 application which is sent to the FAA. You should receive a new license the first time this is done that will list Sport Pilot Privileges but no category/class since this is in your logbook and could include airplane, glider, rotorcraft (gyro - no heli), lighter than air, weightshift or powered parachute.

As far as your current license having sport privileges, it is the same as any other license. Just because someone has a Commercial Airplane doesn't mean they can't revert to Private privileges if they now only have a Third Class Medical and are not flying for hire. If you have a Private, you can operate as a Sport Pilot in any category/class you are licensed. If you are not licensed in that category/class then you take the additional training, proficiency check with second instructor, endorsement and application sent to the FAA.

If you are a private glider pilot then you would only need a self launch endorsement to operate a selflaunch sailplane such as a Pipistrel or Phoenix. I don't know of any good reason to go for a Sport Pilot Glider, other than the possible workaround some are seeking for transition pilots that are not current in a previously rated class.

If you are a licensed glider pilot and would like to fly an airplane such as a J3 or FlightDesign and have no desire to fly at night, then a Sport Pilot Add On for airplane is a great option. I do however see the AOPA proposal to do away with medicals for the majority of GA being approved soon in lieu of using a drivers license and self certifying being approved shortly, so if that is the main reason you would consider a light sport, you may want to go consider a Private License.

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/...eauthorization

The biggest caveat is that if operating as a sport pilot in a class that requires a medical otherwise (airplane), you may not act as PIC if your last medical was denied. I believe this is how the new medical reform will be as well.

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certifi...ots/response3/