"Morgans" wrote in message
...

"Wayne Paul" wrote

If my memory serves me correctly, the above requirement of wingspan ^2
divided by gross wt not to exceed 0.62 lbs is stated in the
"Certification"
limitations. It has been argued that this requirement doesn't apply to
experimental air craft.

While that is true, I would think that if you wanted to fly with a glider
ticket, you would only be allowed to do it in a glider that meets
certified
specs, no?
--
Jim in NC


Jim,

There are many single engine experimental airplanes that don't meet
certification requirements that are flown by licensed pilots. Please
remember that by FAA definition, a glider is a heavier-than-air aircraft
supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its' lifting
surfaces and whose free flight does not depend principally on an engine.
Meet this definition and you can call the thing you built a glider.

Gliders are launched in one of three methods; aero-tow, ground launch
(behind an car/truck, or using a winch) and self-launch. A pilot's log book
will contain endorsements of each type of launch that the pilot is qualified
to perform. What is commonly called a "motor-glider" in reality is a
self-launched glider.

Gliders with engines come in two types. One has an engine powerful enough
to launch the glider. The other has a small engine that will only sustain
flight. The latter type are usually found on gliders with a large wing span
(20+ meters) that could easily be damage in an off-field landing.

If you fly over half the time with your engine on, it would be hard to argue
that you are meeting the FAA's basic definition of a glider. Be careful if
you are think of calling something a glider simply to avoid the FAA Physical
requirements.

Respectfully,
Wayne

P.S. Last post on this subject.