First Glider Purchase

Chris Reed wrote:

Given your budget, have you considered a share in an LS8-18? Again, not
flown my me but I'm told they have nice handling, are good in weak
conditions and have a wide range of working speeds for the strong days
(if any in the UK). I see two for sale on gliderpilot.net, both in the
low £40k range.


I'd second this line of thinking. As a CFI, I've had any number of
guys show up for a "flight review" with a private glider rating that
hasn't been exercised in a bunch of years. In almost all cases, it
was as if the person was starting from scratch. I can go look at my
records, but I would bet that the average person has probably taken 20
flights (aero tow) to get signed off. One guy took nearly 30.

Point being, you should treat this almost as if you were an ab initio
student. In that case, I'd be looking at a year of flying club
equipment (assuming you can fly fairly frequently) before even thinking
about a glider purchase. After that, I would focus on something with
gentle handling characteristics, excellent landing capabilities (as you
will be landing in some fields), and performance relevant to your
goals.

As an owner of an LS8-18, I have to say that I'm partial to this ship.
If you formed a two-person syndicate, this would esily fit your budget.
Also, having previously owned an LS4, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend
one of those if you are intent on being a sole owner. I'd save the
big wingers for a little later.

Erik Mann
LS8-18 (P3)