If a person holds a powered aircraft rating, they are exempt from taking which test when pursuing a glider rating?

If a person holds a powered aircraft rating, they are exempt from taking which test when pursuing a glider rating?

• A. Knowledge test
• B. Practical test
• C. Oral examination
• D. All tests

Answer: (A)

The test is designed to recognize that a pilot already certified in powered flight has demonstrated a broad base of aeronautical knowledge. Because much of that knowledge is applicable to glider operations as well, the FAA allows a waiver of the knowledge test when pursuing a glider rating if you already hold a powered aircraft rating. This means you won’t need to take the knowledge exam again for the glider rating, but you still must complete the glider-specific requirements, including the practical flight test (and any required oral portion) to prove you can handle a glider safely and competently. The exemption does not remove the need for the practical and any oral assessment; it just avoids duplicating the same knowledge test you’ve already passed.

The test is designed to recognize that a pilot already certified in powered flight has demonstrated a broad base of aeronautical knowledge. Because much of that knowledge is applicable to glider operations as well, the FAA allows a waiver of the knowledge test when pursuing a glider rating if you already hold a powered aircraft rating. This means you won’t need to take the knowledge exam again for the glider rating, but you still must complete the glider-specific requirements, including the practical flight test (and any required oral portion) to prove you can handle a glider safely and competently. The exemption does not remove the need for the practical and any oral assessment; it just avoids duplicating the same knowledge test you’ve already passed.