An unpowered light-sport aircraft (e.g. glider) would
have a maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of 115 knots,
as VH is not applicable. This speed limitation also
limits the commanded kinetic energy of an aircraft
flown by a pilot holding a sport pilot certificate.
For a VNE equal to 80% of the aircraft’s structural
design limit speed, a 115-knot VNE limit for aircraft
would mean that structural design limits would preclude
gliders with a speed capability in excess of 144 knots
from being approved as light-sport aircraft (144 X
80=115). ---- This quote is from the sport pilot NPRM.
The PW-2, 2-33, and 1-26 qualify, but many others
do not. Getting an initial sport CFIG or sport glider
license seems pointless, since the requirements are
so similar to getting a regular CFIG or private glider
license. BUT: for transitioning pilots this is a
real boon, since an existing pilot or CFI can add sport
privileges in a new category/class (glider) and take
passenegers or teach in a 2-33 with NO checkride, just
endorsements. Since examiners are few and far between,
and the standards applied by different DPEs are so
inconsistent, this may provide some relief to those
pilots/CFIs that just want to fly friends or teach
in a 2-33, and prefer to avoid $250, complex scheduling,
and inconsistency among DPEs. The real test of all
of this, however, will be the first glider sport pilot
insurance claim...we'll find out next year, I suppose...