I helped Carl Herold a bit when he was developing his handicap system,
specifically the weight was manufactures listed (brochure) weight +
250 pounds. Military says a man with parachute = 200 + 50 pounds of
instruments, battery, O2, etc. I think todays allowed weights are much
more liberal.
I also think the handicap system we have works well and I for one am
quite happy with it.
JJ

Seems fairly sensible (but then again so does using IGC handicpaps for
any ships they are already issued for...) but I still wonder what the
deal is with the SZD-59 though.

The SSA list has a 62lb difference between the 13.2 and 15m versions.
The wingtips that get removed only knock like 10lbs off the the weight
and other than the tips it's the same ship. I'm within both weight
limits, but am still curious.

PZL Bielsko SZD-59 Acro SC 13.2 820 1.075
PZL Bielsko SZD-59 Standard SC 15 882 0.99

-Paul