Licensing order

On Mar 15, 11:54*pm, JS wrote:
Similar to Guy:
Glider at least to solo. Learn what the wings do.
ASEL to Private. Learn the additional bits. (take a written test)
Glider add-on. (no second written test) Enjoy.
Jim

There is another alternative to consider, which some believe
represents the best of both worlds: Get your glider rating then add a
self-launch endorsement, which is considerably easier and not as
expensive to obtain as an SEL rating. Then you can fly regular
sailplanes as well as self-launch sailplanes and touring-style
motorgliders.

I have been flying my Lambada touring motorglider on my Private Pilot
Glider rating and Self-Launch Endorsement for several years now.
Modern lightweight touring motorgliders are equipped with reliable 4-
stroke engines, have a 1000 fpm climb rate and can be equipped for and
are capable of long distance high speed cruising (like an SEL
airplane.) You can also use the engine simply to launch and to cruise
out to the best soaring locations, shut the engine off to soar, then
relight the engine to fly home at the end of the day. And with the
engine off, the Lambada flies like a glider and has reasonable soaring
performance.

And there is another little-known benefit: as a Private Pilot (Glider
rating) with powered experience, you may choose to exercise your Sport
Pilot privileges and fly any Light Sport compliant powered aircraft
(including Cubs, Champs, Evektor Sportstars, etc) with simple logbook
endorsements from qualified instructors, without taking another FAA
written test or flying with an FAA Designated Examiner.

Have Fun !

Matt,
Get the glider rating first, then get checked out in a light sport
powered airplane. The transition to light sport is easy and cheap.
You will only need a few hours in the light sport aircraft, you don't
need a written or any check rides, and you can fly without a medical.
If you want to get a private power rating, the light sport time counts
toward the power rating. This is the cheapest way by far to get both
ratings. It will get you in the air quicker and cheaper.

Ed Gaddy

On 3/16/2010 5:43 AM, Jeff wrote:
On Mar 15, 11:54 pm, wrote:
Similar to Guy:
Glider at least to solo. Learn what the wings do.
ASEL to Private. Learn the additional bits. (take a written test)
Glider add-on. (no second written test) Enjoy.
Jim

There is another alternative to consider, which some believe
represents the best of both worlds: Get your glider rating then add a
self-launch endorsement, which is considerably easier and not as
expensive to obtain as an SEL rating. Then you can fly regular
sailplanes as well as self-launch sailplanes and touring-style
motorgliders.

I have been flying my Lambada touring motorglider on my Private Pilot
Glider rating and Self-Launch Endorsement for several years now.
Modern lightweight touring motorgliders are equipped with reliable 4-
stroke engines, have a 1000 fpm climb rate and can be equipped for and
are capable of long distance high speed cruising (like an SEL
airplane.) You can also use the engine simply to launch and to cruise
out to the best soaring locations, shut the engine off to soar, then
relight the engine to fly home at the end of the day. And with the
engine off, the Lambada flies like a glider and has reasonable soaring
performance.

And there is another little-known benefit: as a Private Pilot (Glider
rating) with powered experience, you may choose to exercise your Sport
Pilot privileges and fly any Light Sport compliant powered aircraft
(including Cubs, Champs, Evektor Sportstars, etc) with simple logbook
endorsements from qualified instructors, without taking another FAA
written test or flying with an FAA Designated Examiner.

Have Fun !
However, this won't permit you to fly any 4 seat aircraft.

--
Mike Schumann