Hi Gang
I am aware of 2 new (imported) gliders having to be registered in the experimental category - Mitch Polinsky's 31 and my DG1001M. I truly don't think that is too much of a problem with single place gliders but is a problem with 2 place gliders because it excludes commercial usage. Reasons given by the manufacturers were costs of certification. So my question is is this now accepted standard practice?
For lighter gliders up to 1320lbs max weight we have a very viable option in the US and that is SLSA category. My Phoenix in in this category. As far as I understand it there are no real negatives but one perceived negative and that is the max VNE has to be 120 knots. Why? Only the FAA with its infinite wisdom knows why!
Dave