Regarding classes, you've got, in the US:

15m class- anything under 15m span.
Standard class- under 15m span and no flaps.
18m class- anything under 18m.
Open class- anything.
Sports class- anything, handicapped, no ballast.
'World Class'- PW-5 only.
'1-26 class'- 1-26 only.

Most people start out in Sports, as you don't need the latest and
greatest to be competetive.

15m and Standard are the most popular. You need big bucks to be
competetive in open. World Class is kind of a joke.


"Ted Wagner" wrote in message news:KBqGb.13600$7D3.4419@fed1read02...
Thanks to everyone for the informative feedback.

I did forget to mention my experience level, and it seems to be relevant to
the question. Assuming I've made no errors in my Excel electronic logbook, I
have 137 flights and 35 hrs as of this afternoon, 93 and 23:30 of them solo;
78 in a 2-33A, 18 in a 1-26E, 21 in a G-103A, 16 in a 1-36, and two in an
ASK-21. This weekend I get checked out in the Pilatus B-4 and Genesis-2.
(Just kidding. But they sure are Purdy.)

One place I still need help is the different classes. I've yet to find a
place that lists and describes them (I've even surfed the FAI/IGC
documents). World Class? 15m? Standard class? Unlimited class? Outclassed,
underclassed, late for class? Help!!! (This is where I could use a goodly
stack of Soaring magazine back-issues, I guess.)

Also, I'll be trailer-parking the bird at Turf or Estrella, I'm 5'11", 170
pounds, and able to lift fairly heavy pieces without assistance. (But I
would like something easy to put together.) Again, I'm most interested in
pursuing x-country, and competing as soon as I'm ready.

Thanks again to all,

-ted