At 16:43 06 August 2014, Tom Knauff wrote:
I suppose this subject must have been posted before, however, as I review
the world championship daily results, it is obvious the smaller fuselage
models have a distinct advantage over gliders many average to larger size
pilots are obliged to fly.

A smaller fuselage means each wing length is longer. Of course, the
wetted
area of the smaller fuselage is also significantly less.

Perhaps the rules need to limit the length of each wing rather than the
wing span.

Those pilots of typical average size will always be at a measurable
disadvantage, and this is a discouraging factor to those who might be
interested in participating in competition flying.

I wonder if racing canoes in the Olympics are permitted to be smaller for
smaller people?

Tom Knauff


Well you where the agent for the manufacturer who brought in this trend -
notably when Klaus H brought out the Ventus a - did you adress this concern
then?

It is still Schempp - Hirth who predominately manufacture the sailplane for
the smaller pilot. Notabaly the Discus 2a which has an advantage over the
2b and LS8 and has dominated std class for far too long.

Personally think FAI IGC should adopt a minimum cockpit size for all
competition gliders to accomodate a 'reasonable sized pilot'. But many
things the FAI IGC do confound me. Whatever happened to the idea of
gettnig rid of pairs, (or even 3 pilot teams now!) in international
competition?