sport airplane from private glider

In a recent thread it was asserted that it was possible to get sport
pilot airplane privileges without taking a knowledge test and flight
test if the pilot held a private glider rating. For some reason I
cannot see that thread. I had doubts that this was true and followed
up with AOPA.

The text of my question and the AOPA answer are shown below.


my question:

I seek clarification on sport pilot rules.

The sport pilot PTS provides this statement:

Sport Pilot--Additional Privileges
If you hold a Sport Pilot Certificate or higher and seek to operate
an
additional category or class of light-sport aircraft (14 CFR part 61,
section 61.321), you must:
1. receive a logbook endorsement .......
2. successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized
instructor ......
3. complete an application for those privileges .......
4. receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor .......

In this context, what is meant by a "higher" certificate? I
assume that a
commercial single engine land certificate is "higher" that a private
single
engine land certificate. But , for example, is a commercial glider
certificate
considered to be higher than a private airplane single engine land
certificate.

More to the point, is a private glider certificate higher than a sport
pilot
certificate for the purpose of meeting the PTS requirements to fly
light sport
airplanes? I.e. can a person with a private glider certificate
receive sport
pilot airplane privileges without passing a knowledge test or a flight
exam as
long as steps 1-4 above are completed?

AOPA answer:

Thanks for the email. Your issues is one of SEL power vs. non-powered
glider.

Any current glider certificated and rated glider pilot desiring to fly
any
powered SEL aircraft must complete the powered training as
appropriate.

Sport Pilot privileges and certification requirements is Part
61Subpart J.
Outside of SP is Recreational, Private, Commercial and ATP. All
powered ratings,
Glider is separate.

Upgrading from an Sport Pilot certification to either Glider or
powered Rec or
Pvt SEL requires passing a PTS with an Examiner.


A glider certificated pilot is not higher than SP. Higher
certification means
going from SP to Rec, Pvt., etc. FAR 61.31 and Subpart J
defines the differences. Taking written knowledge test to stay within
powered
aircraft does not required additional written test within SP. But
moving outside
SP to Rec or Pvt does. Reason is each test is written and designed to
cover the
privileges and regulations applicable to that rating certtificate as
the rule
are different.

end AOPA answer.


I won't attempt to provide an interpretation of the AOPA answer.
However, I find the statement "A glider certificated pilot is not
higher than SP" to be significant in understanding the Sport PTS
requirements.


Andy