Handling characteristics of 18 (and 15) meter sailplanes???

F.L. Whiteley wrote:

You can buy a lot of launches (especially ground launches) for $25K, or even
$10K.

When you sell your glider, you'll get paid for the motor, but not any
aerotows! The real cost isn't buying the motor, but the additional cost
of insuring the glider because it is worth more; the motor maintenance;
and whatever "opportunity cost" you put on having money tied up in the
motor.

Costs avoided are launches, aero or ground retrieves, and travel costs
to a more distant gliderport (auto costs, motel, food) versus the local
airport. The net cost to the pilot is very dependent on where and how
much they fly, and the type of flying they do. The net cost per year is
far smaller than the cost of the motor.


I know the reliability factor has improved, but many hours on the ground
were spent in maintenance and tuning and fettling for the early adopters. I
think today it's much better, but then today's reliability came at a price.

It is much better, and the fettling can be done when you can't fly, such
as in the winter, evenings, etc. For many of us, avoiding the long drive
to the gliderport, the long wait for a tow, the late night retrieve, all
add up to time saved compared to the unpowered glider.

Though the convenience factor is an interesting consideration, I personally
view soaring as a sociable pastime and prefer gathering together with the
faithful in its pursuit.

So do the powered sailplane pilots I know! You don't have to fly by
yourself to take advantage of the opportunities of a powered sailplane.
I've also found a great day of soaring is still a great day, even if no
one flies with me that day.


I could also scuba dive and sail alone, but it was more dangerous and lonely
than doing it in a gaggle.

Don't get me wrong, I looked long and hard at the DG-400 in the early
1980's. Self launching has its place, but given the choice, I'll take a
ground launch, aerotow, or self launch, in that order.

Ah, and there's the rub: for many of us that choice isn't there. No tows
during the week where I live, not even if I want to drive 150 miles.

A pilot like yourself, with readily available tows, might find a
sustainer sailplane gives you the freedom to explore soaring without the
hassle and cost of the self-launcher.

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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA