Sport Pilot Talk

Hi,,, looking for inputs on the G1 america. Its fron France and has beed flying over there for couple of decades. It looks like a Zenith but has folding wings like a kitfox. Its all metal with a good useful load around 600 lbs. supports the 912uls.
https://www.g1-america.com/

Before I put any money down I would want confirmation that the kit complies with the 51% rule for amateur built aircraft.

So, if the kit doesn't meet the 51% rule (which seems unlikely), what category would this be registered in?

I would think that, in the US, an experimental that can't meet the requirements for an E-AB would get registered in the category of "lawn ornament".

There is the option of "Experimental - Exhibition" but it's far more restrictive than EAB, requiring lots of approvals for anything other than local currency flights. Not worth it.

But not being on the 51% list does not preclude one from being certified as EAB. You just have to fill out the FAA form, and have that confirm you're building 51% of the airplane. That's how ALL EABs were certified not so long ago, before "quick build" kits became the norm. It takes a good bit of time and effort (and probably expense) for a new manufacturer to get on that list.

I would talk with the company making the kits, and have them show you exactly how they believe you can meet the 51% rule. They should have a sample form made out that would help you with your decision. If not, they are not serious about selling (and then supporting) kits here in the US.