"Michael Stringfellow" wrote in message
news:uFHxc.5686$K45.1139@fed1read02...
Per my earlier posting, the FARs for towing refer to gliders, which are a
class of "aircraft". The FAA regards the Sparrowhawk as an "ultralight
vehicle" and not an aircraft. hence the Sparrowhawk cannot comply with the
FAR, whatever the weight and link requirements.

(Again, not a value judgement, just trying to interpret the rules).

Then read them (said with a smile). FAR Part One defines "aircraft" as "a
device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air." That would
seem to include the SparrowHawk. True, part 103 defines something called an
"ultralight vehicle" but the towplane is in no way governed by part 103. Let us
not invent regulations that do not exist, we have enough already.

The possibility of operating the SparrowHawk as an ultralight vehicle seems
to be a cornerstone of its marketing strategy but I think that is not seen as an
advantage to already licensed sailplane pilots. Further, if a pilot gets the
training necessary to fly the thing safely, getting licensed is not an issue. I
do, however, like the concept of its easy rigging and ground handling.

This thread reminds me of that old movie "Groundhog Day". It just keep
happening; again and again and...

Vaughn