Libelle 201 query

About the only thing of note would be AD compliance. There have been a couple of AD's requiring the purchase of parts from Streifeneder, but the 2 that spring to mind are old enough that they must have been completed (airbrake torque tube reinforcement & rudder yoke replacement). I recently bought a Glasflugel Mosquito from Western Australia and found that a 4-5 year old AD requiring the replacement of an elevator pushrod with a new part from Germany had not been completed.

What does it weigh? The paint looks original and with a no damage history it shouldn't have gained much. If it has been at an aerotow club the belly release may not be serviceable, although its not a big deal to make it so. Does it have ballast bags fitted? I note that no parachute or radio is specified in the ad, they may cost you a few thousand dollars if not included.

I don't think you can really go wrong at that price. As long as you fit in it.

Cheers,

Nick.


On Tuesday, 2 February 2016 00:13:05 UTC+10:30, Ommadawn wrote:
Nick Gilbert;918501 Wrote:
Hi Frank,

There are several Standard Libelles in South Australia, including a few
at Gawler, and at least one at Stonefield. I'm sure the owners of these
gliders would have been more than happy for you to have a sit in one to
see how you fit. I am guessing you are likely at Balaklava.

For what it's worth, I'm 6 foot 3 & quite meaty, and I flew a Libelle
for many years. If anything, the biggest issue was related to my feet
rather than the size of the cockpit. Some people find them to be quite
narrow across the shoulders as the cockpit walls taper inwards at the
top, but deceptively long.

My Libelle was a combination of 2 - early production wings combined with
late production fuselage. My wings were balsa core and had upper & lower
surface brakes. I don't believe the switch to foam core was intended to
modernise the glider, more to solve a material sourcing problem.

Jim, for what it's worth, mine was the first of 2 libelles that Bob
Dircks owned, VH-GAK.

A 1973 build Libelle is likely to have foam core, the thicker & rounder
tailplane, and top surface airbrakes only. Come to think of it,
considering the fact that i'm an avid reader of gliding classified
sites, and Libelles, I am fairly sure I know the one you are talking
about. Considering it's serial number is in the late 450's I am certain
it is as described above.

Cheers,

Nick Gilbert
Mosquito VH-GSG


On Saturday, 30 January 2016 12:13:05 UTC+10:30, Ommadawn wrote:-
Thanks for the comprehensive feedback chaps.
I cant actually try out the glider as it is 2300Km away.
I will be making an epic road trip to check her out.
I will fit, as I'm not really big, but my buddy was the one I was
concerned about. He is about 6"1 and 100Kg.
Sounds like it won't be an issue for him.
If she checks out ok I will be hauling her home.
I hope to become a regular contributor to this forum, even if its just
to ask dumb newbie type questions, as this will be my first private
sailplane.
I have a significant history of hang gliding, RC model soaring and FPV
piloting.
I'm in Adelaide South Australia.
Cheers
Frank.




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Ommadawn-
Its a B version, 1880 hours.
You guessed it, Nick. I'm with BGC in SA.
Any obvious things I should look for when inspecting a 43 YEAR OLD
GLIDER!!!?




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Ommadawn