Jeff Runciman wrote in message ...
Thanks for all of the advise. I may have to get a
glider in between 30 and 35 ld. I am concerned about
getting in deeper than I should and not having fun.
It is possible that I should get a club class glider
due to my hang gliding experience (tighter turn radius?).
A PW5 or Russia may be an answer. I will be spending
sometime dual in a Lark. Two questions: What happened
to Russia Sailplanes? Were there any other gliders
that compare to the PW5 and the AC5?

Thank you again for your help.

Jeff



Jeff,

The Russia is an outstanding first glider! I know, I have one. I
recently got it and have put 22 hours on it in 45 days.

Mine is the second Russia at the club and after watching the easy
assembly, ground handling and loads of airtime the other guy was
getting with his it made my decision easy!

In reference to performance and handling...It climbs almost as well as
the PW and runs better in between thermals. Taped up with the root
cuffs and the gear put away it gets 35 to 1. It has really nice
handling, light and nimble without being twitchy.

Lots of room, I am 6'2" with room to spare. Super easy to rig and
ground handle. Automatic hookups on everything, try finding that on
30 year old glass. Did I mention the light weight? Mines 310 pounds,
making it easy to deal with on the ground and you really feel the air
your flying in. As an ex hang glider pilot, I really like that.

In reference to the distributer/importer issue....That is currently
being worked on and should be back in place by late 04 or early 05.

I believe there are around 60 in the US and I have never met an owner
who wasn't pleased with their decision. There is a Yahoo group
dedicated to the design and if you do a little research you will find
happy owners with few issues and lots of smiles and airtime.

Gus
AC4-CK
Houston, TX.
281 705-9701