On Sep 13, 10:38*pm, wrote:
On the SSA website - *a must read for owners and anyone that cares
about the effect on the future of soaring in the US with 1/5 of the
training fleet being grounded!

I suspect your estimate of 1/5 of the training fleet is optimistic.
From a survey I conducted in the last 24 months, L-13's represent more
like 1/3 to 1/2 of the training fleet. Whatever the real number, it's
a very serious problem and one certain to impact growth of soaring in
the US. I can only offer sympathy to the L-13 owners.

In Europe, L-13's are known as "Coke Cans" since, like old horses
headed for the glue factory, L-13's are headed for aluminum recyclers
to be made into soft drink cans.

It's entirely possible many, if not most, L-13's will never be
repaired since the cost of doing so will be more than they'll be worth
after the repair. One could argue the money would be better spent on
a new glider. This starkly points out the risk of operating old
aircraft - you never know when an expensive AD will ground them
forever.

From a club management view, L-13's have served extraordinarily well
over a very long life but nothing lasts forever. The clubs have long
since "got their money's worth" out of them. I fear many do not have
a "sinking fund" to replace their old gliders.

There are excellent trainers available like the ASK-21 - but they're
not cheap.