On Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 7:06:27 AM UTC+3, LongJourney wrote:
On Sunday, November 19, 2017 at 10:03:11 AM UTC-6, flgliderpilot wrote:
Low time pilot, 60hrs, have done some solo cross country flying but not a lot. Sold my 1-26E a few years ago (not by choice, business debt at the time).

My first thought is to jump into another 1-26 or 1-34 for a number of reasons (safety and availability). I could land my 1-26 just about anywhere!

My budget is 10K or less, and I am still saving, so in the meantime I'm wondering about inexpensive older fiberglass options such as the Libelle, etc.

Are fiberglass gliders more expensive to maintain and repair?

Easily damaged on rough landouts?

Qualified mechanics easier or harder to find, vs aluminum?

Insurance costs aluminum vs fiberglass?

Are fabric covered gliders (1-26 A,B) much more expensive to maintain?

I remember a local pilot telling me he spent a few thousand dollars re-covering his 1-26 and that it needed to be done every X number of years (I can't remember that number now).

As usual hangar space might be possible but is usually unlikely due to demand.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
Tom

I've never flown one, but a Phoebus might fit your needs.

I've flown one. Great L/D for the time (and money), but at the low speed of 48 knots.

The wings are very heavy and very stiff. People will run away when you rig, but you'll feel every ripple in the air (if you like that kind of thing).

Libelle is as good performance, but people won't run away when you rig.