Jeff Runciman wrote:
Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your insights and advise. There
is a local pilot that has an LS4, a little bit of crazing
of the fiberglass. He hasn't flown in about 10 years.
I am also looking at a brand new 15 meter SZD51-1 Junior.
I know they are not quite in the same class but I
am a little nervous about the high performance of the
LS4.

"High Performance" isn't the thing to worry about: it's things like the
landing speed and attitude, stall and spin characteristics, and general
handling. These things aren't the same among the "high performance"
gliders, except most of them land faster than the usual trainers.

The standard class gliders tend to be "fast" with the nose high, and the
stall/spin characteristics vary a lot with the older ships. Even so,
something like an LS4 and the newer gliders are easy to fly, despite the
near 40:l performance.

All that said, you'll do more flying, and more cross-country flying, in
a glider you feel confident flying, regardless of it's performance.

I plan to spend the next two weeks in a Lark to
transition to a glass ship(remember I don't have my
licence yet but am very keen and careful). My approaches
are good and PDM has been refined over the last 15
year. I do not want to get discouraged by a ship over
my level of ability. I still plan to spend lots of
time dual to refine my skills. Any advise is greatly
appreciated.

It sounds like you are approaching it thoughtfully. THere's no rush -
fly the club ships or rentals for a while, and look around, keep asking
questions.


--
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA