Fox Two schrieb:

But the second question
is still in limbo: are gliders (not motorgliders) that fly in clouds
required to have a full gyro panel?

For those gliders which are approved for cloud flying by the
manufactorer, the POH states the minimum panel required by the
manufactorer to do so. E.g. DG requires for its gliders T&B and vario,
LS requires T&B, vario, compensated compass and a speed indicator with
only one revolution. (Note: Both require a turn indicator, but none a
horizon! The reason is clear: The horizon can drift, the turn indicator
cannot. However it's debatebal whether you should enter a cloud without
a horizon in a modern slippery glider.)

Your country's regulations may ask for more. The requirements in my
country happen to be the same as those of LS. Airwothiness certificates
which include cloud flying are pretty common around here. Of course the
glider must fulfill the requirements of the manufactorer as well as the
legal ones to get one. (Usually it's written in the certificate:
Approved for cloud flying if the panel meets the requirements.)

As I understand, you didn't find an appropriate regulation for the US.
As cloud flying in gliders seems to be exotic in the USA, chances are,
there is none such regulation. Why not ask the FAA directly? It may be
difficult to find somebody who knows, but *somebody* must know it.
Alternatively, ask your glider's manufactorer. Those folks tend to be
well informed.

Stefan