Marc Ramsey wrote:
Bruce wrote:

As a DG Driver may we assume you do not have "hundreds of hours in
ASW20s and Std Cirrus"? If so I assume you are one of those making
pronouncements based on hearsay?


Actually, I have about 200 hours in various ASW-20 models, including an
ASW-20BL which I owned for a couple of years. You'll note I explicitly
indicated that I could not comment on the characteristics of the
Standard Cirrus, as I've never even sat in one and made glider noises.
The one thing I did say was with respect to my general dislike of
gliders with manual elevator hookups. We had recent accident here in
the US that indicates one can indeed take off (but not land) with the
elevator disconnected in a Standard Cirrus.

Sorry Marc - clumsy attempt at humour. I know you are experienced on a number of
types. Just did strike me that you were in danger of doing exactly what you were
criticizing...


For your future reference if I say anything about the K-21, Grob 103,
ASW-20, Ventus B, Duo, LAK-17A, and yes, DG-101, 300, and 303, it is
based on anything from 50 to 300 hours of experience. I don't think you
can point to too many of my posts where I talk about about gliders I've
never flown. I just bought a DG-600 (a glider with a bad reputation,
BTW), so expect further pronouncements.

Both the preceding posts contain wisdom. My first flight in a single
seater of any sort was in my Std Cirrus. Though the CFI and other
instructors allowed me to take the flight the responsibility for
taking it was mine. Same with any person making a first flight on type
in a single seater. The famous inscription at the Temple of Apollo at
the entrance to the oracle of Delphi says - "Know thyself" As Bob
said, you are responsible for your own safety. Objective self
assessment is your only rational option.


Absolutely. My argument is with the notion that because one has had
good experiences with a particular glider, anyone who makes a few
negative comments must therefore be talking out of their arse, even if
they actually have as much or more experience in type. There is a lot
of personal preference at work here. ALL gliders have positives and
negatives. If someone asks, they need to hear both sides.

Marc

Agreed, listen to them all critically. Both sides, everyone tends to love what
they own, warts and all, and it is common to generalse a personal dislike or
inability into a design fault in what we are unfamiliar or unsuccessful with.

It just irritates me hearing all these arguments that eventually come down to
this urge to dumb things down to the point where the skill and challenge
disappears.

Many gliders are currently beyond my capabilities. I look forward to changing
the part I have control over. I also know the newer designs have better
handling, but their prices are also beyond me.

As an aside, the only DG600 owner I know is extremely content with his, flies
his backside numb and takes pains to point out the superior finnish compared to
my Schempp product. Hope you enjoy yours as much.

--
Bruce Greeff
Std Cirrus #57
I'm no-T at the address above.