Andy wrote:
Jono Richards wrote:
Jeff,

A Jantar is a fantastic machine, with good performance
for the price.

snip

My first "real" glider was a Jantar-1 (19m) which has performance
comparable to competitive 15m ships of the day. It flew well and I
completed many of my badges in this ship. The fuselage is the same as
the earlier standard Jantars. Mine had the two-piece canopy which
isn't as convenient as a hinged one, but manageable.

The fit and finish weren't perhaps up to those of the German gliders,
but it sure was strong. The main gear looks like it belongs on a
Soviet-era tractor and the brake worked quite well.

Until I got hangar space, nothing cleared the field of volunteer
riggers faster than the appearance of my trailer. The one-piece wing
panels are heavy! The 15m wings are lighter, of course, but still
pretty substantial.

Jantars are not for everyone, but can be a cost-effective way of
getting into your own ship. Make sure you get a good trailer and have
a plan to rig - a one-man rigger, strong friends or a strapping
teenager.

Mike