Ideally, a glider student would start before age 14 (solo at 14) and then
transition to power some where along the line (solo power at 16) glider
rating at 16.. If you are older, then either way. Many would say complete
one before starting the other. We have had a few students taking lessons in
both at the same time. Some have done ok, others have problems transitioning
between the two aircraft.

As a pilot in both types, and a Glider instructor, I would suggest at least
up to Solo in the glider before transitioning to power. You learn
coordination, adverse yaw, what your feet are for and pitch controls
airspeed, plus the normal airport environment and such. Introduction to
Spins and Spin recovery would be nice too.

If you complete the power certificate first, then you only take one written
test, as the glider rating becomes an "add-on" rating.

JMHO
BT

"private" wrote in message
news:1FEye.163396$El.4062@pd7tw1no...
Many people suggest a large benefit for student power pilots to fly some
dual in a glider and similarly many parts of successful glider piloting
can
be more cost effectively learned in a power plane. As an example, it is
cheaper to do multiple landings in a power plane when learning to land.

Do the instructors here have opinions regarding the advisability of a
mixed
curriculum and the best place in the training to fly each type?

Do other pilots have experience or comments?

thanks