AINut wrote:
I know it's back to basics, but I still don't quite have this one down.
A Mustang II is rated at 1600 lbs in the utility category, but no spec
is given for the normal category. Normal cat will allow a higher weight
capability, AIUI. Is the difference between the two based solely on how
hard you G-load the plane during flight? What about landing weights or
if you prang it pretty hard? (Of course, none of US ever do that!) 8-).

The difference between the normal and utility category is primarily
G-loading. You're wrong in thinking that every design however has
a higher normal category gross weight than it's utility category
gross weight. There are a number of things that go into determining
gross weight of which the G loading is only one of them. For example,
while the 172 has a 2-seat, lower gross utility category envelope within
the normal category envelope, the 152 is certificated solely with
Utility category limits.