In a Yahoo group, MinimalistAirplaneStudyGroup, it has been asserted
that a homebuilt aircraft registered as experimental can be registered
as a motorglider, regardless of wingspan and gross weight capacity.

For example, one could build something like the 18 foot wingspan, 550
pound maximum gross weight Hummelbird and call it a motorglider. One
could then fly it having only a Private Pilot Glider license with
self-launch endorsement.

It was also asserted that the 0.62 lb/ft^2 (max gross/span^2)
requirement does not apply to homebuilt aircraft registered as
experimental motorglider. One could even have two engines/props and
still fly it using only a PPG ticket.


The following was provided as proof of the assertion:

http://edburkhead.com/Challenger/gli...torglider1.htm

However, I remain skeptical that the FAA would allow this. Any thoughts
from someone here with knowledge or experience? TIA

Regards,

-Doug