US Dollar sinks to new low against Euro

Steve Hill wrote:

the one thing I notice more and more, is that self launchers are turning up
on the State records and badge flights more and more...and I think it will
continue...I don't think the overall performance is near as much an issue,
as the convenience and ability to go...when the weather is good...I started
in hang gliders and have owned wood, aluminum and glass...I don't want to go
back in performance any more than anyone...a less expensive self launcher
would seem to me to be much more meaningful for growing our sport...than
just another sailplane to add to the long and confusing list that is already
out there...

I agree with Steve. As an example, the Russia AC-5 sold very well
because it had a good price and decent performance. It has about 70% of
the L/D of ASH 26 E, but was about 40% of the price, and 30+ pilots
found that very attractive. Unfortunately, it's not available new now,
and the manufacturer's intentions aren't known.

L/D is somewhat overrated as Bob K and others point out, especially for
a motorglider. A Russia pilot might have to use his engine more often
than I do in my ASH 26, but what's an extra 10-15 minutes of engine, 5
or 6 times a year? Nothing really, but it sure can expand your soaring
options.


--
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA

I agree with Steve. As an example, the Russia AC-5 sold very well because
it had a good price and decent performance. It has about 70% of the L/D of
ASH 26 E, but was about 40% of the price, and 30+ pilots found that very
attractive. Unfortunately, it's not available new now, and the
manufacturer's intentions aren't known.

L/D is somewhat overrated as Bob K and others point out, especially for a
motorglider. A Russia pilot might have to use his engine more often than I
do in my ASH 26, but what's an extra 10-15 minutes of engine, 5 or 6 times
a year? Nothing really, but it sure can expand your soaring options.


I can attest to Eric's statement about the ability of the Russia 5M to
expand your soaring options. While it seems to me the LS-4 is a great
glider, I bought a 5M this last spring for roughly the amount of money that
would get me an LS-4. However, the 5M allowed me to fly twice the hours of
my previous high hour season because I could fly from an airport 10 minutes
from my house as opposed to 2 or 2.5 hours from home. For me, the increased
number of hours greatly makes up for the relatively small performance
reduction because I feel I am making more rapid progression in my quest to
be a soaring pilot.

Tim

.....I bought a 5M this last spring for roughly the amount of money that
would get me an LS-4. However, the 5M allowed me to fly twice the hours of
my previous high hour season because I could fly from an airport 10 minutes
from my house as opposed to 2 or 2.5 hours from home. For me, the increased
number of hours greatly makes up for the relatively small performance
reduction because I feel I am making more rapid progression in my quest to
be a soaring pilot.


What's missing here is the camaraderie and sharing your passion with
like-minded individuals at the gliderport. This is important for some,
and less so for others. I admit that I would find a 2.5 hour drive "a
haul".

Tony V. "6N"