"T o d d P a t t i s t" wrote in message
news
wrote:

What regulatory differences, if any, would a homebuilder encounter
when building a sailplane or motorglider in stead of an experimental
airplane?

There are essentially no "regulatory" differences, but there
are some applicable FAA Orders that control what FAA
inspectors will approve. For an unpowered sailplane, they
leave you pretty much free to build anything. However, if
it has an engine, you'll encounter problems calling it a
motorglider if it's got more than two seats or is above a
certain wingloading (which I don't have at my fingertips).
I suspect they don't want you bypassing the medical rules by
labeling it a motorglider.

Todd,

If my memory serves me correctly it is not a wing-loading limitation. It is
a number that is computed by dividing the gross weight by wing-span squared.
I wonder where the FAA came up with that calculation and its' aero-dynamics
significance?

However, if you check the FAA database you will find there are Windrose
gliders kits that have been registered as "gliders" and others registered as
"airplanes." In such cases a pilot your qualifications must match the
airworthiness certificate.

Wayne
HP-14 N990 "6F"
http://www.soaridaho.com/Schreder