On Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 5:31:27 PM UTC-6, SoaringXCellence wrote:

A faster, higher L/D glider needs a lot more distance/time to dissipate energy and being 600' laterally abeam the touch down would create a significant challenge, both with the turns required to intercept final and the 45 degree base base turn reference.


Not really. EASA CS-22 paragraph 22.75 under which most high performance gliders were certificated says:

"It must be shown that the sailplane has a glide
slope not flatter than one in seven at a speed of
1·3 Vso with air brakes extended at maximum weight."

So basically all JAR-22/CS-22 gliders have less than 7:1 L/D with the spoilers open.

I've done several 45 degree angle of depression approaches with an early model DUO and it worked out fine.