On Nov 12, 9:36*am, tstock wrote:
I know I will get replies on each end of the spectrum... but for a
first glider, low time pilot, it seems like a 1-26 would be a good
choice. *Easy to fly, easy to land in tight spaces, cheap to maintain,
and very common and there are a few 1-26 groups, so help is
available. *It's inexpensive (well under $10,000 USD, more like $6K).
I happen to like "old" stuff, like VW busses, etc, so the vintage
aspect of the 1-26 appeals to me. *Also, I like the idea of starting
"at the beginning", maybe that's just me.

Of course, there is the option to buy an early fiberglass glider for
around 10K, but at that price it's likely a fairly uncommon glider,
hard to find parts for, and maybe not a good plane for a low time
pilot (flaps, etc). *20K would be better but right now that is outside
by budget.

I admit, reading the entire issue of the last soaring issue dedicated
to the 1-26 did lead me down this path. *My wife read it also and
started asking me questions about the 1-26.

So, before I start looking for a 1-26 is there any reason I should
not? *My plan would be to fly the 1-26 for about 5 years and then find
something more modern when funds allow and I've gained more
experience.

Opinions? *If prefer to stay out of the debate you can always email me
privately.

Thanks
-tom

Grob 102 would be an excellent venue in my opinion. It has a decent
LD and you can find them on the British market for around 8k USD with
about 2.5k USD for shipping costs. Just play it safe and get one that
has had the wing spiggot AD completed. Drop me a line if you want to
know more concerning this AD. I imported one last year with trailer
for a fantastic final price with trailer, wing AD done, less than 1700
hours on it. There are a couple on market now for close to that same
price.

I bought a wooden first sailplane for economy sake .. it was a
gorgeous vintage Scheibe with open trailer. It flew well but what a
pain with that trailer and the cumbersome rigging. Now mind you many
will say "but the 102 is a beast to rig", etc .. I can only say it is
no more a beast if you learn to rig it than any other typical glass.
It IS competitive in sports class (can be at least) and it thermals
very, very well. The wings aren't THAT cumbersome nor heavy and it
flies like a dream ... a proven, high production, safe ship for a
first rig. Not to mention a huge cockpit for comfort.

If you really want the 1-26 then get it. They are great machines in
their own right but are obvioulsy more limited in cross country
flying. But before you do, I hope you look at the real benefits of a
higher performance ship. If you have cross country aspirations, the
23/1 will get old quick I would wager, maybe not.

Best,
T2 (Grob Astir CS)