In days of old the phrase was "Nothing beats wing span". Now it seems as if these short wing "open" birds, i.e., JS1C are beating the long wing birds.. Rarely even see a 23 meter bird in the open class. Having almost half my glider time in the open class I miss the long beautiful wings and at...

From another thread recently, thought it might be a good topic to paw around with everyone... For me, soaring is great fun. I've been doing it consistently for about 5 years now. I've met a bunch of amazing, great, kind people and have learned a tremendous amount about the sport (light years...

I'm interested in learning how to get the maximum possible height on a winch launch, without compromising safety in any way. This question has two parts really - how should the pilot fly the launch (pretty much how should he operate the elevator during the launch), how fast should the glider fly,...

I'm restoring a 1963 Std Austria and trying to decide the risks and merits of load testing the wings. I can't find anything definitive on the web, at least nothing that doesn't get contradicted by some other source. My concern is that load testing may damage the wings in an undetected way. OTOH,...

I've been happily enjoying condor flight simulator for about three years. Today it says my plane pack zero is not activated. When I enter the license key which is copied directly from the original download email it doesn't work. When you buy condor is it only good for three years or so? I have no...

Was just looking at OLC, and there has been at least one, 1,000KM + flight each day since December 3. Haven't looked back, but I suspect this is likely close to the longest string of days where this has happened. And if not for December 2nd, the string would go back to November 24th. Good...

Preliminary notification of publication scheduled for December 23. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/23/2016-30910/transponder-requirement-for-gliders-withdrawal

Is it possible to replace the standard canopy on a Scheibe L-Spatz III (or any of that series) with an open cockpit "cabriolet" style canopy? Do plans exist? I've seen pictures on a K-6 and K-8 (even a dual one on an ASK-13!), but I'm curious what the process is and what paperwork is required?...

Can anyone help me find Steve? Thanks, Sean

Folks, I recently committed to talk about some European racing techniques highlighted in my World's report at a team camp. The guidelines for when to search for thermals and when to park and exploit others doing the searching are interesting. The camp will likely be run alongside the Cordele cross...

Sandhill Soaring Club, located near Ann Arbor, MI, is consolidating its fleet. It currently has a Pilatus B-4 (not rated for aerobatics) with an open trailer and a Grob 102 Astir CS with a clam-shell trailer available for sale. The G-102 will need to have its wings refinished in coming years but...

I wanted to send out a public thank you to Andrej Kolar (CEO of Naviteer) for extending free SeeYou licenses to our US Junior Team (Daniel Sazhin, JP Stewart and Noah Reitter) after I made the request for them a couple days ago. A nice Xmas present! Go get them this summer at the World Junior...

Cheers to Bill Gawthrop and Sean Fidler as they near the completion of the Ozzie SGP. Sean won Race Day 5 and is tied overall for 2nd place (even with one DNF!) with one day to go. http://sgp.aero/australia2016/results-sgp/results.aspx?contestID=27858 You can replay any of the race day...

Has anyone adjusted the output of the StroblSolar Chargecontroller OS1 to better match the needs of a K2 battery? If so, can you please share the modifications. Regards, Bob Fletcher

Looking to get a glider add on rating through a commercial school to do it quickly. Nothing near by me suits this so I must travel. Reading through this forum I could use some pointers of where to train. Planning on taking a week of vacation, buying airline tickets for the family so I need...

Hello everybody, I am considering creating a website to compare gliders, meant to help choosing the best glider to buy (2nd hand or new) at the best trade-off for anyone among price, safety, handling etc etc. I have a question for you, because I'd love to make this website useful for the...

I've committed to buy an L-23 in Sarasota Springs, New York. It includes an enclosed trailer. I need it to come to Walla Walla, WA. Anybody coming in west that wants some help with expenses? Would like to have it shipped right after January 1. Thanks!

Looking to analyze a bunch of igc files for our clubs trophy program. These will be flights made throughout the year by club pilots often flying different gliders on different flights. I've investigated using SeeYou Competition for the scoring but it is not designed for this type of year long...

The first Schweizer 1-26 gathering will be held: January 26, 2017 (aka 1-26) to January 29, 2017 at Seminole Lake Gliderport, Clermont FL This is an informal gathering of SGS1-26 gliders open to all. Optional fun tasks will be offered each flyable day. Prizes will be awarded. Tow prices...

Can you assume wings weight is max T/O weight - max non lifting parts ? I am trying to find the wing weight for my ventus C Dan