We have lost another soaring pioneer

Fifty years ago I learned how to fly and soloed in a Schweizer 2-22. My first cross countries, badge flights, and contests were in a Schweizer 1-26. My earliest crewing experiences were for my father as he flew his Schweizer 1-23B. About a year and a half ago, I returned to soaring after several years away by checking out in a Schweizer 2-33. I wonder how many of us are out there--of all ages--who began our flying careers in gliders built by the Schweizer brothers. I suspect most of those gliders will still be flying long after I'm gone. It's a remarkable legacy. Thanks.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
U.S.A.

On Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 10:26:04 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Fifty years ago I learned how to fly and soloed in a Schweizer 2-22. My first cross countries, badge flights, and contests were in a Schweizer 1-26. My earliest crewing experiences were for my father as he flew his Schweizer 1-23B. About a year and a half ago, I returned to soaring after several years away by checking out in a Schweizer 2-33. I wonder how many of us are out there--of all ages--who began our flying careers in gliders built by the Schweizer brothers. I suspect most of those gliders will still be flying long after I'm gone. It's a remarkable legacy. Thanks.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
U.S.A.

It was about 40 years ago for me and it was a 2-33 I learned in/soloed in.
I also did a lot of early flying (and badges) in a 1-26.
Our club still promotes the, "Start in a 2-33, go through a 1-26, then maybe a 1-34 before buying more performance.".
Not a bad way to go although we have a ASK-21 for some other "performance related" flying.

And yes, I'm sure various Schweizer gliders will be flying for many years to come.

[Even more reason to try & bring "002" to the HHSC VSC meet this summer!];-)