"Agh!" wrote in message ...
Wayne Paul wrote:

"Mitchell Holman" wrote...

technically in the USA a glider isn't an airplane.

At least until that little door opens up and a
little motor pops out............

It still isn't an airplane. It is a "self-launched" glider.

It is, of course, an aeroplane.

According to the current Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations, an aircraft is a device that is used, or intended to be used, for flight. Categories of aircraft for certification of airmen include airplane, rotorcraft, lighter-than-air, powered-lift, and glider. Part 1 also defines airplane as an engine-driven, fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air that is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of air against its wings.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines a glider as a heavier-than-air aircraft that is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its lifting surfaces, and whose free flight does not depend on an engine. The term glider is used to designate the rating that can be placed on a pilot certificate once a person successfully completes required glider knowledge and practical tests. There are three primary launch methods. Ground launch (winch, auto-tow, etc), aero-tow and self-launch.

The pictured aircraft is one of the DG series self-launch gliders. On the airworthiness certificate the type is listed as glider.

You can not legally fly it with a "single-engine" airplane rating. As previously stated, you must have at least a private glider rating with a "self-launch" log book entry.

Respectfully,

Wayne