tango4 wrote:
I can rig and derig a Nimbus 3 using just a Cobra one man rigging dolly and
I'm fat and 45.

How often do you do this in a plowed field?

One of Mark's points, as well as mine, is the potential retrieve
difficulty will much affect the pilot new to cross-country flying. A
Nimbus 3 isn't likely to inspire the new XC pilot to take ANY chance of
landing out. A Nimbus 3 can more easily reach the next airport than,
say, a Russia, but in our area that can be little consolation: many
airports are too narrow to land that 25 meter wing, so you are forced
into a field anyway.

I encourage the wannabe cross-country pilot to think about what will be
the biggest hinderance to that type of flying, then acquire what will
overcome that. It might plenty of L/D, or a light weight glider for easy
retrieving, or gungho friends/spouse/kids that like the "pick it out of
the field" adventure, or a powered glider. It's not the same for
everyone or every place.

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

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA