See JAR 22
http://www.jaa.nl/section1/jars/445499.pdf
Sections 22.25 and 22.785
for details.

110kg is minimum maximum under the above, but also an upper limit in many
cases. Older sailplanes built under OSTIV may have all a max weight of
non-flying parts that allows 250lb+ pilot weights and a safe CG range far
above that, like 350lbs.

Frank Whiteley

"Flyhighdave" wrote in message
...
Hi All!
I'm confused by the weight restrictions on most gliders.
As an example the Lak-12 specs show the following:

Empty weight: 794lbs.
Gross weight: 1433lbs.
Payload: 693lbs.
Max. Water 416lbs.
Max. Pilot: 242lbs.(110KG)

Why is the pilot weight restricted to a max. of 242lbs? It seems to me
like the
difference between the empty & gross weights could be made up of any
combination of pilot, equipment & ballast as long as the gross weight is
not
exceeded & the C.G. remains within limits. What am I not understanding
here?

As any of you know who have read my numerous recent questions to this
group I
am a new and BIG pilot trying to figure out which ships will work for me &
learn a little more about this endeavor. I could weigh as much as 250lbs
fully
equipped in the winter. That appears to exceed the limits of almost all
gliders.

Again the generous information that I've gotten from you all is just
great!

Thanks!
David Roth