What are your opinions on the Slingsby Skylark 4?

How did it stack up against the K6e, SHK, etc.?
How are it's flying qualities?
What's your thoughts?

Thanks so much!

-Nick

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 4:50:36 PM UTC-4, wrote:
How did it stack up against the K6e, SHK, etc.?
How are it's flying qualities?
What's your thoughts?

Thanks so much!

-Nick

My main memory is rigging the club 4... Very heavy centre section that must be held close to fuselage in order to connect controls; nervous work. Outer panels light. There is a flight report in Winning on the Wind vol 1 page 31-33; he found it slightly superior to the Ka-6, though larger and heavier.. He liked the handling and comfort for a tall man.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 1:50:36 PM UTC-7, wrote:
How did it stack up against the K6e, SHK, etc.?
How are it's flying qualities?
What's your thoughts?

Thanks so much!

-Nick

Do you have a hangar which is at least big enough to accommodate the glider with the center section rigged? If so, then if K6E performance with a big comfortable cockpit appeal to you, a Skylark 4 is worth considering.

Have flown and assembled all three. Ka6 the easiest to assemble and easiest to fly, probably one of the nicest handling sailplanes ever built. Skylark 4 more involved to assemble, but very nice to fly, docile, and good climber. SHK wings heavy and require technique, but very manageable with a SoloRigger. The SHK will easily outperform the Ka6 and Skylark 4 . The handling is good, but not as docile as the Ka6 or 4. The Skylark 4 is very capable of all badge distances downwind and is enjoyable to fly. If you are considering buying a Skylark 4 , you should call Bruce Beddow who has owned a 4 for over 20 years.

I did 2 diamonds in K6e and Skylark 4 in the UK. 300 triangle in the Skylark, so amazingly comfortable and roomy, a gentleman's machine. Trim in pitch the best,can fly hands off. K6e a disaster in this respect. Skylark 4 ailerons need some work, k6 a delight to fly, much easier for working the thermals, though the Skylark, once centered, allows you to eat your lunch. If you are a big chap I would go for the Skylark, especially if can be left in hangar with tips off. Airbrakes good on both, but skylark's are supreme, the best of any glider I have flown. Pete