Glider Pilot License Types
(in FAA speak, a license is really a certificate)

Student Pilot License

Allows you to fly a glider solo under the supervision of a flight instructor. A student pilot is not allowed to carry passengers and is restricted in many other ways. See this page for instructions on how to get a student pilot license. When your instructor determines that you are ready to solo, he will administer a short, informal, written test and then sign your student license. Your student license is not valid until it is signed by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). While you are a student, you will study for and take the formal FAA Private Pilot (glider) knowledge test (AKA written test). When flying solo, your goal is to hone your skills to prepare for your Private Pilot license exam.

Sport Pilot License

Not recommended for GBSC members for reasons cited here.

Private Pilot License

Allows you to fly without the supervision of a flight instructor and to carry passengers. When flying with a passenger, you are not allowed to charge money for the flight but sharing the cost of the flight is allowed. To become licensed, you will need to take your FAA knowledge test (passing grade is 70%) and then take and pass an oral and flight test with an FAA designated pilot examiner. The majority of glider pilots do not advance beyond this license.

Commercial Pilot License

Allows you to charge money for your piloting services. To qualify for a commercial license, you need additional flight experience, take another knowledge test and another oral and flight test with an FAA designated pilot examiner. GBSC offers introductory flights to non-members and requires that a pilot flying an intro flight have a commercial certificate.

Flight Instructor License

Allows you to instruct, to solo students, endorse them to take the various knowledge and flight tests required for licensing, and to perform the flight reviews that each licensed pilot is required to take every two years. A flight instructor candidate is required to pass yet another general knowledge test and also a Fundamentals of Instructing written test. After being recommended, take a practical oral and flight test with an FAA designated pilot examiner. A glider flight instructor must have a glider commercial license.