"soarpilot" wrote in message
...
Hi everyone,

I am a licensed glider pilot and will be pursuing my Single Engine
Land power license this upcoming year. I was wondering if anyone in
the group has gone from Glider License only to Single Engine Land
licensing? What were the requirements, etc? Do any of the hours
transfer to the requirement of SEL? Ease / difficulties to
transition? Comments and recommendations?

(Sorry about my earlier blank response)

Most CFIG's are familiar with the process of training already-rated pilots
for a new category, but don't be surprised if your power instructor is not.
Most primary power instructors rarely see already-licensed pilots doing "add
on" ratings.

(The following has to do with your paperwork, not your attitude towards
training) Strange as it may seem, you will not be a student pilot! You do
not need a student license, and the provisions of Part 61 subpart 3 (student
pilots) do not apply.. Rather, you are guided by 61.31 (d) (3). Naturally
you will need a medical to solo. Beyond that, for solo you need training in
the appropriate areas of operation and you need the following endorsement in
your logbook:

"To act as PIC of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does not
hold an appropriate category/class rating: section 61.31(d)(3).
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the training as
required by section 61.31(d)(3) to serve as a PIC in a (category and class
of aircraft). I have determined that he/she is prepared to serve as PIC in
that (make and model of aircraft)."

As others have noted, some of your PIC time counts towards the required 40
hours of training. You will need to pass a written test. At the end of
the process, you will need a recommendation & endorsement to take your
checkride, which will be little different from any Private SEL checkride.

After several years as a glider pilot, I added Private SEL privileges to my
Glider Commercial certificate in my mid-50's. It was an interesting
journey. I didn't really count hours, and didn't rush things, but probably
had 40 hours or more SEL time before I got around to taking a checkride. I
just made up my mind to enjoy being a student. I did have considerable
"unlearning" to do. For example: Even today, it is almost impossible for me
to make myself land an airplane in a crosswind without first leveling the
wings just before touchdown. I "regressed" on my check ride and
entertained my examiner with a glider-style power-off stall recovery. (he
was not amused)

Airplane landings were a non-issue for me. Yes, typically a bit flat as
someone else mentioned, but safe. It was hard to get rid of the mind-set
that every approach must result in a landing. After several lessons, I
realized that I had not done even one balked landing, so an instructor and I
went up one day and did several.

Good luck!
Vaughn