"Bob Kuykendall" In general:

The majority of gliders operate under the same FARs
as small airplanes. The way I understand it, an STC
and/or 337 paperwork is only required if the glider
holds type certification and a standard airworthiness
certificate, and then only if it is determined that
the addition constitutes a major modification.

If the glider holds Experimental certification (either
Racing, Exhibition, or Amateur-Built) and a Special
Airworthiness Certificate, probably all that is required
is a logbook entry by the installer. For Experimentals,
the operating limitations that accompany the airworthiness
certificate will probably have specific instructions
about modifications.

Thanks, and best regards to all

Bob K.
http://www.hpaircraft.com


DING!!!! We have a winner.

An STC is not required. An STC is a device that allows for repeated
installations of a
pre-engineered assembly on multiple aircraft. There is linkage with an STC
and a PMA
holder for the manufacture of the components.

A form 337 will be required and an associated field approval noted in the
logbook.
This is because the scope of the work will exceed AC43's descriptions of
repairs.
Since it isn't outlined in AC43, the feds make the assumption that it will
be a major
modification. The logic being that it isn't defined as a Major Repair or
Alteration or
allowable as a minor repair. That leaves a 337 as the regulators way out.
The good news
is that you can do it on the cheap with skate wheels that work really well
and the paperwork
isn't that involved.

I also think you might need to brush up on the regs if you hang your shingle
out
and work in the real world. All the doc's are online and the AD notes are
on CD
and the omnthly updates are reasonable (and mandatory if your an IA).

Bob is correct about logbook entrys being needed for Experimental AC but in
actual practice this seldom occurs as the config of the a/p usually isn't
clearly defined
when the CofA is issued......

Food for thought

Scott..