Experimental Gliders in Club and Commercial Operator Use

Tim,

I my review of the US regs, I cannot see how any experimental can be used for a COMMERCIAL operation. However there are waivers given to "crew training" that allow training of another pilot in the aircraft operations. That has been used in the past to allow flight instructors to charge for the training but the ship cannot be rented.

As to the club operation, in our club each member is a part owner of every ship and the "rental" is a maintenance fee that covers operational costs and insurance. This is not considered a commercial operation since the owner is flying the aircraft. No intro rides are given in experimental aircraft since that is a commercial operation (holding out to the public).

Hope that helps.

Mike