Tim,

I had 35 hours total glider time at the purchase of my 1-35. The flap-issue was a non-issue for me largely because of my powered plane experience. Whether or not a glider has flaps should not be an obstacle; either way, you will require training.

This is a great glider. Especially for getting into cross-country flying. It lands very short, especially during landouts.

Being metal helps when it comes to fixing those hangar rash dents you will likely get here and there. Metal mechanics are very available. This is a good glider to learning ownership.

If you don't already know, there is a 1-35 website that can answer most of your questions. My belief is that you later on won't have problems selling the glider. I now own an LS-6 and wish that I had the brain power to maintain two gliders; in which case, I would have kept the 1-35, too.

Raul Boerner