L 33 Solo Gliders

I flew one twice; landed out on second flight and spent more time than I liked figuring out how the wheel brake worked.

Rig and derig better than many other gliders of similar vintage.

Comparable performance and handling to the PW-5 for less money. Neither has penetration. The accident record is well populated with L-33s trying to stretch glides back to the home field.

I saw one written off because the canopy was not properly closed and the pilot held the canopy down with one hand and sideslipped because he did not have a hand free to use the spoilers. The pin can sit on top of the tube leaving a really narrow gap that is hard to catch. The cockpit now is used in a simulator where I've spent more L-33 time than in the air.

HINT: Left rudder might help keep a loose canopy from departing (reluctant to flight test).

Parts can be a problem.