Bill,

I was hoping that the FAA already had a rule or subsection on the books
governing WIG's. That way I could redesign the aircraft I'm considering so
that it would meet the rule. Unfortunately, it looks like the FAA has never
addressed this subject. However, they were adament about regulating ALL of the
reproduction Wright Flyers built last year. Even though the flight envelope of
those craft are very similar to the one I'm considering.

Since I do not currently have a PPL, clasifing the aircraft experimental is not
really an option. It might still be possible to go Part 103, but that won't be
easy. Right now my calculations put the plane at least 100 lbs. overweight.
This is the case for most turn-of-the-century aircraft. They are too slow and
primative to fly like modern airplanes, yet too heavy to be considered
ultralights. So far, I've managed to avoid the FAA problem by building kites
and gliders. But having to wing-walk / push my glider 7 miles around an
airfield last year convinced me that I want power on the next plane I build.

If anybody does happen to find an FAA subsection that specifically mentions
WIG's, please let me know.

Thanks for your input,
Harry