On Jul 31, 8:00*am, Richard wrote:
On Jul 30, 8:16*pm, 5Z wrote:

On Jul 25, 2:09*pm, kd6veb wrote:

This means no registration so the FAA has no
records of any SparrowHawk operating under Part 103. Why Part 103 and
not experimental?
Remember my SparrowHawk is considered to be an "ultralight
vehicle" and not an aircraft.

Many tow operations don't realize their insurance is void when towing
an ultralight unpowered vehicle.

-Tom

This is an urban myth.

Richard

It's not that their insurance becomes void, rather they either think
is does or they are looking for an excuse to not tow the SparrowHawk.
In any event, the SparrowHawk flys just like any other standard class
ship, it's just lighter. This does not mean that it is any more
twitchy or particularly easy to over control, rather it is simply very
responsive to the pilots inputs. In addition, the moments of inertia
and general wing loadings are just about the same, ratio metrically,
to a standard class ship. The best way I can describe this is
something like going from a large comfortable sedan then jumping into
a small high performance sports car. I have had tows from several
different type of aircraft all over the West and in various
conditions. This has included lots of slack-ropes and what not's.
Additionally, the tows have been between 60 and 90 knots with out any
concern of over controlling or adverse results. The only time I had a
tow pilot question a tow was when he took a look at the weak-link and
proceeded to investigate. After an interview and a look over of the
bird, off we went. Our club (High Desert Soaring) has been towing
SparrowHawks since 2002 immediately after consulting with our
insurance company. I think it is Costello. Perhaps also, that sence I
am a current member of the USHGPA, I automatically have a $1M
liability insurance while I fly any aircraft that is legally under the
auspices of Part-103. The SparrowHawk is indeed this.

As far as thermaling goes, after 250 or so hours in mine, I can say
that it can allow you to take advantage of it's nimbleness and
dexterity with those firs-hose thermals, but in generally weak lift it
seems to not have real advantage over any other clean 15 meter ship.
Also remember, its the Pilot not the Polar.