Q: If I want to fly a self launched glider, can I do this if I hold a US pilot certificate with an airplane [powered] rating?

No. A self launched glider is certified as a glider, so you require a glider pilot rating, private or commercial. [FAR§61.3(a)]

Q: What is meant by an “unrestricted” glider pilot rating?

A glider pilot certificate issued prior to August 4, 1997 which does not contain a restriction, e.g. “Aerotow only”.

Q: Do I require a medical certificate to fly a self launched glider??

No. [but some insurance carriers may require one].  [FAR§61.3(c)(2)(i) and (iii); §61.23(b)(1) and (4)]

Q: If I need, but do not have, a self launch endorsement, do I need to take a practical test to get one??

No. However you need to receive and satisfactorily complete ground and flight training from an authorized instructor [self launch CFIG] in a self launched glider, and receive a logbook endorsement to that effect. [FAR§61.31.(j)(1)(iii)]

Q: If  I only want to fly a motor glider with a sustainer engine (one which cannot takeoff on its own without an aerotow or ground launch), do I require a self launch endorsement??

No. You will however require an aerotow or ground launch endorsement (whichever is appropriate) unless you had an unrestricted glider pilot certificate prior to August 4, 1997. [FAR§61.31(j)(1)]

Q: If I wish to fly a self launched glider with an Experimental certificate, do I require a self launch endorsement, assuming I do not hold an unrestricted glider pilot certificate issued prior to August 4, 1997??

Yes. The exception for experimental aircraft in FAR§61.31(k)(iii) does not apply to the requirements of FAR§61.31(j).

Q: To obtain a glider pilot rating, am I required to take a written test??

Yes. You require to pass a knowledge test, but only if you don’t hold a private or higher airplane (or rotorcraft, powered lift or airship) rating. [FAR§61.63(b)(5)]

Q: To obtain a glider pilot rating, am I required to take a flight test??

Yes. Every applicant must pass a practical test. [FAR§61.63(b)(4)]

Q: If I already hold a glider rating on a private (or higher) pilot certificate, do I require a self launch endorsement??

Yes. Unless you held an unrestricted glider pilot rating before August 4, 1997. [FAR§61.31.(j)(2)]

Q: Where are details of the required ground and flight training set out??

FAR§61.31(j)(1)(iii) is not specific, but the ground and flight training should include that required by the relevant part of FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-94 - Pilot Transition Course for Self Launching or Powered Sailplane (Motorgliders). Also, the relevant practical test standards (for test in a self launch glider) are helpful.

Q: Do I require a self launch endorsement only if I wish to exercise the privileges of a private (or higher) glider pilot certificate holder, e.g. carry a passenger??

No. If you require a self launch endorsement, you must have this in your logbook before flying solo for the first time in a self launched glider. [FAR§61.31(j)(1)]

Q: If you have any other questions?

Call your local FSDO and/or consult the FARs