Karl Semper wrote:
A little story, but true. It actually happened to me.

I worked in Germany for several years and while over there learned to
fly gliders and got my license. When I returned to the US, I went to
the nearest glider port and was told by the instructor that he didn't
have time to help me obtain a US license. I didn't want a US license
based on the German license because of the need to obtain an physical
from a German flight surgeon. That I should go to a commercial school
and then come back and fly their 2-33. I took a ride in the 2-33 and
decided that although the newest ships that I was checked out on in
Germany was a Junior and Puchacz (trained in Bocian), that I would
find something else to do. Between the 2-33 and the instructors
attitude, I'll wait until I move someplace where the people are
friendlier. The instructors attitude was the main reason, but the 2-33
didn't help.

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 12:46:20 +0200, Bruce Greef
wrote:

wrote:
wrote:

It WILL change, but for now I'd rather be put in a stable, forgiving
and safe glider than in a hot, slippery glass. Especially if hot glass
means higher annual/launch fees.

Bartek


OK, lets put this one to rest. Every glider I have flown that was made
since about the mid 1980s is stable, forgiving and safe. And cost less
to maintain than many older gliders.

Glass gliders are "hot" only if you have only flown old high drag non
glass gliders. Stop training in those. Your club instructors should
regurally fly modern glass gliders, how else will they be able to pass
on the necessary skills to the students when it is time to fly a single
seater made from glass?

If you train in a modern glass glider, transitioning to a single seat
glass glider is easy, with proper instruction. It is done in Germany
and elsewhere all the time.

Robert Mudd
Moriarty, New Mexico USA

'Nother reason to retire the things - Much as I enjoy vintage gliders, every
time I spend a weekend instructing in our wooden wonders (the 'new' one is 40
years old...) I need a while to get used to the glass again when I get back
into a very modest performance glass single seater.

Very little motivation to extend the capabilities if what you are flying manages
1:25 on a good day and has the penetration of a well thrown powderpuff.

As Robert says there are loads of well behaved glass trainers at reasonable
prices.

Karl,

You and I are not alone, there is more stories like yours. It almost
feels like saying "a typical situation".

I also agree with Robert about the glass ships....but I also will agree
with Gary about the 2-33...there is room for every glider, however the
main problem is our attitude. Be nice, be fun, be friendly, don't trash
people because of their looks, treat them as equal and people will come
from every imaginable walk of life. Just because I speak with an accent
it doesn't make me "sub-human" or worse pilot than you are. I can tell
you a story about a guy from Argentina who was asking for a flight
instructions in a club I used to be belong to in Pacific NW....but I
will not. It is shameful that we have some individuals like that
running and operating a club....and I know also that this is not unique
incident.

Jacek
Washington State