One word to describe this: ABSURD.
Thinking of those unsuspecting passengers who put their lives in the
hands of someone they believe is very experienced.

Ramy

ttaylor at cc.usu.edu wrote:
The USA requirements are way too low. No real soaring experience
required. I think that all ratings should be required to demonstrate
real soaring skills, not just flying skills. This is about the third
accident in Hawaii with similar stall spin characteristics into the
trees.

Commercial Pilot-Glider: FAR 61.121-61.141
Age requirement: at least 18 years of age.
* Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
* Hold at least a private pilot certificate (for heavier-than-air
aircraft.)
For initial certificate issuance, pass a knowledge test (FAR
61.125) and practical test (61.127). The launch method(s) endorsed in
the pilot's logbook (61.31(j)) determines in which type of launch(s)
the pilot has demonstrated proficiency.
*
There are two levels of experience required for issuance of a
commercial certificate;
1.At least 25 hours as a pilot in gliders, including;
1. 100 flights in gliders as pilot in command; and,
2. 3 hours of flight training or 10 training flights
in
gliders; and,
3. 2 hours of solo flight to include not less than 10
solo flights; and,
4. 3 training flights in preparation for the flight
test.