You are very smart to not just buy the ship with the most performance as
Greg suggests as your first ship! The L-33 is a very good first ship. I
think a slow progression into high performance is a wise move. The amount
of fun you have has nothing to do with L/D! I think every glider pilot
should fly a 1-26 or something similar every year just to remember how much
fun a simple maneuverable ship is.


"Greg Arnold" wrote in message
news:vdUdf.78$yp6.21@fed1read07...
There are a lot of used glass ships in the mid-$20's, all with performance
significantly better than the L33. Take a look at the Wings & Wheels want
ads.


Jeff Runciman wrote:
The training has been in a 2-22. I will be flying
a few different aircraft before flying the L-33. If
there is another aircraft that might be better?

Jeff


At 02:48 14 November 2005, Btiz wrote:
What you left out is.. what have you been taking your
lessons in.. A SGS 233? or Grob 103 or ASK 21? If you've been taking
lessons
in a SGS 2-33 I would recommend a few flights in a Grob or ASK before
climbing into the L33. The Grob or ASK is heavier than the L-33, but the
'look
angle' etc is more realistic to the L-33 vs the SGS.

It is a nice 'first glider', I have not heard anything
good or bad about the glider, I have heard that you need to watch the
fuselage
tailboom, don't drop it or wrinkle it, a ground look could cause a
wrinkle and that would detract from it's strength and integrity.

Enjoy, BT

'Jeff Runciman' wrote in message ...
Hi Fellow Pilots,

My name is Jeff Runciman and I am a new sailplane
pilot.
I probably have a couple of more hours left before
I get my licence. I currently have 135 hours powered,
35 hours ultralite, and about 450 hours of hang gliding
time. I am current in all except the ultralight. I
am looking at purchasing an L33 Solo. I am looking
for advise good and bad about the glider. I am also
looking for input on a first glider. I have about
24,000
to spend but need a trailer and one/two man rigging
gear. I don't need big time glide or performance but
would like a decent glide polar.

Any help would be apprciated.

Jeff