"noel.wade" wrote:
On Sep 15, 10:14*am, "Surfer!" wrote:

But since the Schweizer seems to be the training ship of choice in
most U
S
clubs that shouldn't be a surprise. *It's certainly not (IMHO) an
endorsement of them.

I couldn't agree more! As a "younger" glider pilot myself (29 when I
started), let me make a few assertions:

1) Do you think you can get *ANY* young person interested in soaring
if what they see is a 2-33? After playing any modern computer game?
After watching movies like "The Fast and the Furious"? The 2-33 looks
like a dog and flies slowly.

I started lessons when I was 52. I didn't have a problem with the club's
2-33 because it is possible I'm not a shallow youth anymore. ;-)

More seriously, I'm doubtful that anyone (young or old) would even consider
gliders in any way, shape, or form if they were motivated by speed.

If the argument had any validity, it could be turned into a counter
argument that claims 2-33's would winnow out those who have not yet matured
- and lack of maturity leads to poor aeronautical decision making, leading
in turn to death, destruction, and the collapse of civilization - all
because too many young whipper snappers got themselves killed flying like
crazed kids. And all for lack of 2-33's to teach them some humility! :-)