In article ,
Jack wrote:
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?

The PW-5 and 1-26 seem to get a lot of comment on PIO (pilot
induced oscillation) on takeoff.

Yes they are more pitch sensitive (less pressure on stick to
make nose go up). Yes forearm to leg can help dampen
this. But the reason new pilots PIO has a lot of
subtlety.

First, the sight picture is different. A pitch you
think is level may actually be very nose high. This
encourages rotating too early on takeoff.

Next, at least for the PW-5, the trim in the middle of
the range means that on tow the glider will (for some CGs)
lift off too soon. Put the trim fairly far forward,
or have someone about your size/weight fly it and determine
the best initial trim. Safeside for trim a little too
nose down.

Last, the rotation airspeed feels different. The
1-26 and PW-5 "feel" like they accelerate faster (they
do a tiny bit if you use the same towplane).
Pilots have a tendency to rotate before
getting to sufficient airspeed. Below min sink speed
for rotation (which is different in ground effect than
the published min sink) if you rotate, the glider
may fly in and out of ground effect, oscillating.
This can be solved by very still stick forces, or
just rotating at sufficient airspeed.

What is this airspeed? Well, it varies with weight,
and the amount of ground effect. So it is a little
bit experimental. Somewhere between 2/3 published min sink
and min sink is what I have seen.

The dangers of landing too fast are well known. I haven't yet
seen any dangers of rotating at flying airspeed.
On my first flight in several aircraft, I've made it a point to
keep the main wheel(s) on the ground until at a good flying speed.
This has worked for me. Good luck.