Jeff,

Our club has an L-33 and it replaced a 1-26. We chose
the L-33 because it is 'new' (as compared to Scheitzer's)
and it is metal, allowing us to keep it tied down outside.

However, in the Spring of 2003, a thunderstorm damaged
the glider, even though it was tied down.

The problem: We didn't have it tied down very well.
We didn't have the tail up on a stand to reduce the
angle of attack of the wings and the ropes tying the
wings attached not directly to anchors, but to a cable
running along the ground and parallel with the wings.
The high AOA and the 'stretch' allowed with the wing
tie-downs permitted the glider to jump up and down
in the winds. The FBO reported winds as high as about
55 m.p.h. if I remember correctly (Probably not: I
suffer from CRS)

To tie down the L-33, one has to use the metal 'sleeves'
that slide over the wings. We had one factory-made
sleeve and one made locally. The locally-made sleeve
deformed so much due to the glider bouncing around
(the factory sleeve was distorted too, but not nearly
as much as the other one) that it allowed the ailerons
to get pinched and warped and destroyed. We had to
order two new ailerons from the Czech Republic and
we also ordered a new factory-made wing sleeve.

Upon receiving the sleeve, we took it and the original
to a welding shop and had them weld a steel web, approx.
1.5 inches tall, on the upper surface of the sleeve
to reinforce it.

Right now, the L-33 remains inside of the Gaines trailer
and will until some club members step up to fix the
tie downs.

So, our dilema occured with the L-33, but it could
happen to any aircraft. You just have to take care
and plan the tie-downs properly.

If your club will store the L-33 in a hangar or in
a trailer, then, never mind.

Our club members enjoy flying the L-33. Now all we
need is some good soaring weather in 2004!

Ray Lovinggood
Carrboro, North Carolina, USA

At 04:06 04 January 2004, Jeff Rothman wrote:
We are evaluating gliders that our club might purchase.
The L-33 looks
promising. What are the pros and cons of this glider?
I know it performs
about as well as other club class gliders such as the
Junior, PW5, and 1-34.
I have heard that the L-33 is prone to tail wheel damage.
Any advice?

Thanks,

-Jeff