Eric Greenwell wrote in message ...

I beg your pardon, but what isn't "real" about the SparrowHawk? From the
FAA registration database:

N-number : N40437
Aircraft Serial Number : 004
Aircraft Manufacturer : COLE GREGORY M
Model : SPARROW HAWK
Aircraft Year :
Owner Name : COLE GREGORY M
Owner Address : 2988 NE ROCKCHUCK DR
BEND, OR, 97701-6515
Type of Owner : Individual
Registration Date : 12-Jun-2003
Airworthiness Certificate Type : Not Specified

Eric,

Sorry, no disrespect intended, in your case the N number absolutely
makes it real. I have no problem with a registered glider flown by a
licenced pilot, which is obviously what you are - and from what I've
read it sounds like you are having a lot of fun. My fear if for the
unlicenced pilot flying an unregistered (or deregistered?)
Sparrowhawk. That is a dangerous situation, in my opinion. Push the
Sparrowhawk as a 1-26 replacement - or the saviour of fun soaring in
the US, fine, go for it!; sell it as an ultralight that "anybody" can
fly is scary! And sure, the manufacturer can insist on training, but
what happens when that Sparrowhawk is resold? Off comes the
N-number...

I guess I should shut up until I've been able to put my grubby little
paws on a real live Sparrowhawk. Or better yet a Duckhawk - can't
wait to fly against one of those and see if it is really a
breakthrough concept! Time - and a few competitions - will tell!

Kirk