At 13:32 07 November 2010, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
On Nov 7, 5:52=A0am, Jim Beckman wrote:

Turning away from soaring because of how the glider looks just doesn't
seem valid to me, but that's just me.

Yes. As somebody else mentioned, it exhibits a serious shallowness on the
part of the person who rejects the experience. Maybe it really has to do
with current youth expecting instant gratification in all things.

Really, the experience is the capability of the aircraft. The ability to
use the energy in the atmosphere, to climb, to stay aloft, and to cover
the ground. But if appearance is all you care about, then the 2-33 just
isn't going to ring your bell.

P.S. By the way, I'd love to find a really nice Schweizer 2-22 -- now
THAT is a cool lookin' glider! A Grunau Baby would be amazing to own!
Talk about "SOUL" -- those old, ugly gliders (and for that matter the
older gals) have it!

I really wish I could get a chance to fly a Schweizer 1-19. I know
there's one around here, but I don't think it's been flyable for twenty
years or so. And for a real blast, try a 1-26 with the sport canopy
installed.

http://www.126association.org/graphi...t1-26solo3.jpg

Doesn't do much for performance, but the Fun Factor is at least doubled.

Jim Beckman