"Jack" wrote in message
...
I am about to make the transition from the 2-33 (the only glider I have
flown) to the 1-26.

What are the differences which should be emphasized?

First of all, the 2-33 and the 1-26 were specifically designed to work
together as a training system, so expect very few troubles. You have read
the flight manual haven't you? It not, the whole thing is here
http://www.126association.org/frames.htm and you can print out your own
copy. While you are there, look through the 1-26 association site
http://www.126association.org/ for all kinds of good information.

Start out by adjusting your seat position properly, this can only be
accomplished by an assortment of cushions in some versions. Make sure that
your head is up high so you can see the tow plane and that you can reach
everything when you are securly strapped in. While you are in there, stay
for a while; practice reaching for the release and spoilers and get used to
the position of the instruments. Now look out at the view while someone
holds the tail down and etch that picture in your brain because what you see
should be pretty close to your landing attitude. Now you are ready to get
a good cockpit checkout by your instructor or your field 1-26 guru before
you attempt to commit aviation.

The 1-26 is quite light on the stick compared to the 2-33. Usually
that will be a delight, but it sometimes leads to a problem is takeoff. I
have seen one new 1-26 driver make a bad PIO on takeoff. The usual advice
to prevent PIO is to pin your right elbow next to your body and move the
stick with your wrist and fingers only. If you DO get into a PIO, first try
smaller and slower stick movements, if you can't immediately get control,
try to release just as you pass the high tow position on an upward swing,
slow to (but not below) normal flying speed, and the PIO gremlins will
immediately disapear. You will now be left with a plain 'ole broken rope
drill on your hands, something that should be familar to you by now, but
will be easier to handle because the 1-26 will turn on a dime. Brief all
this with the tow plane pilot on your first few flights to be sure that
he/she remembers that you are new at this.

Be sure that you know proper spin recovery and watch your airspeed in
the pattern; the 1-26 is a very safe machine and is appropriate for low-time
pilots, but it will spin if seriously provoked.

Soar Safely;
Vaughn




-----
Jack
-----