Captain Fraidy-Cat Has a Question

Weellll now---which would you rather do--fly a 2-33 or stay on the ground?
Last week I was at Moriarty, NM. After launching, I climbed briskly to
12,000 MSL, having spotted 2 distant gliders frolicking in a thermal, at a
higher altitude. When I got close enough, I realized they were the ASC and
Sundance 2-33's having fun!

My first club had a 2-22, then got the 2-33 - the glider that got me
"hooked"! I am now completely addicted.

Yes, the controls take a bit of getting used to, and an understanding of
basic aerodynamics. Yes it looks primitive. Yes, it is usually time-worn.
Yes, I'd rather fly my current ship. But if it came down to a 2-33 or
nothing---I'd take the 2-33 in a flash!

--
Hartley Falbaum
DG800B "KF" USA


"kirk.stant" wrote in message
oups.com...
Ahh yes, the joys of the wonderful 2-33; the apotheosis of American
glider design, the best trainer ever built, etc. choke puke....

Turn them all into hubcaps, I say!

Seriously, those horrible things do more to damage the sport in the US
than an army of lawyers.

66

I agree...what the heck is wrong with a 2-33? I took 2 flights in one a
couple years ago when visiting Estrella in Arizona. It glides much
better than my Corben Junior Ace! I thought it was a fine ship for what
it was designed to do: train glider pilots! I didn't expect a 200:1
glide ratio I am still interested in pursuing my glider rating. My
daughter enjoyed her flight as well!

Scott
Bloomer, WI

HL Falbaum wrote:

Weellll now---which would you rather do--fly a 2-33 or stay on the ground?
Last week I was at Moriarty, NM. After launching, I climbed briskly to
12,000 MSL, having spotted 2 distant gliders frolicking in a thermal, at a
higher altitude. When I got close enough, I realized they were the ASC and
Sundance 2-33's having fun!

My first club had a 2-22, then got the 2-33 - the glider that got me
"hooked"! I am now completely addicted.

Yes, the controls take a bit of getting used to, and an understanding of
basic aerodynamics. Yes it looks primitive. Yes, it is usually time-worn.
Yes, I'd rather fly my current ship. But if it came down to a 2-33 or
nothing---I'd take the 2-33 in a flash!

Wow - a glider who's main attractions a
1. it's great to crash in
2. It'll fit you if you are anorexic and/or 16
3. It'll make you appreciate "old school" aerodynamics and ergonomics
4. It's cheap, nasty, but available (wonder why?)

If retro is your thing, then have at em and enjoy! And they are OK for
rides (easy to get in and out of the front seat) and pumpkin drops (big
opening side window in the back). But I think it is a shame to still
be using 2-33s for training when there are so many better (and safer)
alternatives. And I'm convinced that we lose a lot of new glider
pilots after they get tired of wrestling the local club or FBO 2-33
around the sky for a few seasons.

I guess the argument can be made that after a 2-33, any glider seems
like glass - even a Blanik!

And 500 hours in the darn things (mostly in the backseat, fortunately)
hasn't done anything to change my opinion about them.

66