Suggestions for a specification for the ideal training glider

Re Puchacz wheels

A number of UK clubs have modified the wheel brake
and put a Tost drum brake on. These are quite effective
and are not as sensitive as the original brake mechanism.

As for spinning. I have carried out many stalling and
spinning training flights in K7's K13's and K21's and
in the Puchacz.

The stall and spin characteristics of the Puchacz are
predictable and can be taught properly, yes the Pucjacz
will both spin and recover on demand. You know this
with the Puchacz and fly it accordingly. With other
types, such as those others above, you have to force
the actions especially with heavier pilots. This instills
in pilots that they are difficult to spin, until it
goes wrong.

I know pilots who have flown gliders that 'do not spin'
--- and then the machine has spun and they have been
caught out.

The more I fly these gliders (Puchacz) the more I realise
what a superb training glider they are. They do everything
that is asked of them on demand.

Dave Martin
Not a Puchacz salesman, just a fan.

On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 16:15:27 +0100, "Chris Reed"
wrote:

I'd agree with Henell that the Puchacz comes close to an ideal training
glider. When I joined my UK club 7 years ago we trained in a K13 and K21,
but soon after bought a Puchacz. Initially there was some suspicion of the
"Polish Death Machine", and it was used mainly for spin training. Now, it is
the glider of choice for our instructors when teaching pre-solo students,
and new pilots are regularly soloed in it. Additionally, there is a growing
feeling that it's the best of the three tow-seaters to fly solo.

Bad points a

1. Our wheel brake is appalling, but apparently Henell's machine is better -
worth checking out.

Ours was modified to use a hydraulic brake a season or two ago. i
think you'll find this mod to be pretty common.


--
martin@ : Martin Gregorie
gregorie : Harlow, UK
demon :
co : Zappa fan & glider pilot
uk :