On Friday, October 2, 2015 at 5:13:33 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Friday, October 2, 2015 at 10:45:46 AM UTC-5, Ryan Wubben wrote:
After a long (12 year) absence, looking to get back into soaring, although
I've
been an active power pilot and have owned a variety of airplanes.

I used to own a Ka-6, but am thinking of a a Ka-8b that is coming up for
sale.
Any thoughts on the Ka-8?

Things to watch out for?
Difficulty rigging?

Thanks,
Ryan in Madison

Ryan, great to see you found your way back into soaring. Regarding the Ka-8, I made my 50 km private license flight in one in Germany back in 1981. It was an old glider then that I barely fit into and getting to the next thermal was a bit difficult. Don't get one, it will be frustrating seeing your buddies doing 180 mi while you land at a nearby field. Buy a used fiberglass ship like an ASW-20 or similar and find out about the freedom of movement they allow.
Herb in Chicago

Ryan, if memory serves me right, you reported at one time of a trip you took with your wife to Iceland. You then posted pictures of a Ka-8 and other gliders that you found there at the only glider club they have. That turned out to be the glider I did my Silver C in back in Germany at the Luftsportverein Hameln, we sold it to Iceland. Do you really want to operate such an ancient glider? Modern soaring is about going x-country, traveling to soaring sites in the East and West (forget the stinkin' prairie). The Ka-8 will comply but do that somehow fast only if you head down-wind.