On Thursday, April 4, 2013 4:05:31 PM UTC-6, son_of_flubber wrote:
I'm not alarmist to say that the FAA is going to ground 80% of the senescent USA glider training fleet sometime soon. The only question is when.



The L-13s are being recycled.



The few people who know how to properly inspect and keep the 27 wooden Schleichers KA-* gliders flying safely are retiring.



The 314 registered SGS 2-33s may last forever, or one might fail this weekend.



Given the tragic and inevitable consequences of an aging fleet, it is unconscionable and unsportsmanlike to turn a blind eye. Recent events should be a call to action.



Yes, you're right. I'm riding my high horse. Talk is cheap. But I'm holding a note that finances my share of a brand new PW-6 for my local soaring club. (No, I'm not made of money. I cut back somewhere else.) So since I'm not just shooting off my mouth, I think that it is entirely reasonable for me to say this:



Gentlemen. Please step up!

In 1950 the US soaring movement had more than 400 war surplus training gliders (LK-10's, Pratt-Reads, TG-2's and TG-3's) available. Today, we have less than 200. Surveys indicate less than 100 2-33's are flying in club and commercial fleets.

Yes, please step up. If we are to grow, we need as many as 400 new training gliders.