sport airplane from private glider

I think whoever answered at AOPA either doesn't understand the Sport
Pilot rules or that your "glider" is actually a registered aircraft
and you have an FAA license.

A person may be a Sport Pilot in airplane, powered parachute, weight
shift, gyrocopter, glider or lighter than air. If a person has any
previous license they can use that as a basis for adding a category
under Sport Pilot. That's because you need at least a Sport License,
which is the lowest grade. A Recreational, Private, Commercial license
in anything is therefore a higher license.

If you want to add a new category of aircraft to your license (like
airplane), all you have to do is train with an instructor until he
feels you are proficient (FAR 61.321). There are no minimum times or
requirements. He can then endorse your logbook for a proficiency check
with another instructor (no examiner) and complete an 8710
application. When you pass the proficiency check, the check instructor
will complete the application and endorse your logbook for the new
privileges. The endorsement is the key to it. When exercising the new
category you must carry a record of the endorsement. When the FAA
processes your new license it will have your old privileges
"Commercial Pilot Glider" and also "Sport Pilot Privileges Only." The
reason for not adding the new category is that if you wanted to add
another Sport Pilot Category, the FAA will not need to reissue a new
license again, you would just have another logbook endorsement.

If you do want to add a private pilot license then you will need to
take the written exam and go with an examiner. You can still apply
your previous flying time to the license which can save a lot of money
in the end (I was able to use 150 hours of glider time towards my
commercial airplane).

The best place for information is www.sportpilot.org. The annual Sport
Pilot Expo is also being held in Sebring, FL from January 17-20 if
you're really interested in the idea of adding on a rating or buying
an airplane. See www.sport-aviation-expo.com.


Mike