Janusz Kesik wrote:
U=BFytkownik "Mark James Boyd" napisa=B3 w wiado=
mo=B6ci
news:4194f9b2$1@darkstar...
=20
The SZD 50-3 looked to me to be a neat glider on paper, but the
abrupt stall/spin characteristics and accident record seem to betray it=
=2E

=20
It's just a glider which was been designed to spin when asked, and not =
'to
be afraid' of full acro. Nothing more. It just needs more attention of =
the
pilot.
=20
Regards,
=20
=20
--
Janusz Kesik

Hi Janusz

Whilst I must admit limited experience, 200 odd hours, 200 odd flights=20
over 3 years, and thus my opinion might not be worth much, I am truly=20
mystified by the bad reputation the Puchatz has. I think it is one of=20
the nicest gliders to fly. I fly some limited aerobatics (loops,=20
chandelles, stall turns and spins) and it always seem predictable and=20
controllable. Sure it scared the hell out me when my instructor first=20
showed me the spin, the transition from level flight to nose down=20
attitude was rather quick, but once you experience it know what to=20
expect it is not a problem. Our club has a firm rule that all aerobatic =

maneuvers must finish 1500 ft AGL and maybe that improves the safety=20
margins. I am wondering if the higher rate of spin accidents relates to =

the frequency with which it is used for spin training. After all if a=20
glider is not used to spin, it will have a lower rate of spin accidents. =

I have flown some 9 different glider types, from Blaniks to Ventus B=20
and the Puchatz would have to be the easiest glider to fly. The part I=20
found most curious is the fact that very experienced pilots seem to have =

got them selves into trouble.

Paul