Canadian Pilot wants U.S. Certificate

Hi Guys,

Hopefully, you can help me get this figured out. I'm going on a trip
to Florida next summer, and I'd like to fly a glider while I'm there
(I kept seeing gorgeous Cu's from Mickey-Mouse-Land). I figured I
would get checked out in a Grob 103 and then go have some fun in a
Grob 102 or similar single-seater.

According to the FAA website, I just need to send an application form
along with a copy of my Canadian licence and medical for confirmation
and approval, then a visit to the Rochester FSDO to get the licence.

However, the Rochester FSDO says that I can't have a licence. The
response is:

According to our guidance, we will be unable to process your request.

"Some foreign CAAs have issued pilot licenses that do not identify
the
grade of pilot license. In those instances, do not issue a
U.S.pilot
certificate. The holder of that kind of foreign pilot license does
not
meet ICAO standards for pilot certification."

The Canadian glider certificate does not include the wording
"private"
or "commercial". Because of this we can not issue a US certificate
based on your Canadian privileges.


So, I said, "Well, I have a 'Private Pilot - Aeroplane' licence and a
glider licence... can I please get a U.S. glider licence. Again,
"No". I can get a U.S. power licence and fly N# power planes, but
can't fly N# gliders. (I can take my Canadian registered glider to
the U.S. and fly it on my Cdn licence, but not N# gliders).

There HAS to be some simple way for me to fly solo in the U.S., but
how?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
John