SSA Airshow Ship Blog

[[email protected]]

Fellow Soaring Enthusiasts on RAS,

The SSA and specifically the SSA Growth and Development committee have accepted the donation of a Blanik L13 for use as a static display at aviation events. Meant as a promotional tool, this purpose built display will allow adults and kids to experience the excitement of sitting in a glider, manipulating the controls and having their picture taken. Adorned with flashy paint and logos, trivia, and web addresses, we envision this aircraft will serve the sport for many years.

Even though the glider and trailer were donated at no cost, the restoration will take volunteer time and money. I encourage you to follow the blog at

http://www.ssa.org/GrowthDevelopment?show=blog&id=3813

Come share the excitement as we try to convert this bird into the SSA flagship. Bookmark for regular updates and feel free to help in any way you can.. The goal is to unveil the ship at Sun N Fun 2015.

Thanks

[Bob Kuykendall]

I've got an old but unused canopy transparency that would probably yield usable windshield and forward cockpit canopies. If you can send me flat patterns for those parts I can cut up the canopy for economical transport.

Thanks, Bob K.
bob at hpaircraft decimal com

[[email protected]]

On Monday, November 10, 2014 6:12:02 PM UTC-5, Bob Kuykendall wrote:
> I've got an old but unused canopy transparency that would probably yield usable windshield and forward cockpit canopies. If you can send me flat patterns for those parts I can cut up the canopy for economical transport.
>
> Thanks, Bob K.
> bob at hpaircraft decimal com

Great. Just so I understand correctly. You want patterns for the front (stationary) canopy and the next piece which is the front seat canopy. Is this correct? I hadn't thought about the fact that they may come from the maker as one piece.

I will disassemble the existing transparencies and make paper patterns. It may be a week or two as I am diligently sanding my Std Cirrus gel coat off before the weather turns cold.

Lane Bush

[Bill T]

Except for the forward shield, I thought the L-13 had a single opening canopy for both seats.

BT

[Bob Kuykendall]

On Monday, November 10, 2014 5:33:00 PM UTC-8, wrote:
> On Monday, November 10, 2014 6:12:02 PM UTC-5, Bob Kuykendall wrote:
> > I've got an old but unused canopy transparency that would probably yield usable windshield and forward cockpit canopies. If you can send me flat patterns for those parts I can cut up the canopy for economical transport.
> >
> > Thanks, Bob K.
> > bob at hpaircraft decimal com
>
> Great. Just so I understand correctly. You want patterns for the front (stationary) canopy and the next piece which is the front seat canopy. Is this correct? I hadn't thought about the fact that they may come from the maker as one piece.
>
> I will disassemble the existing transparencies and make paper patterns. It may be a week or two as I am diligently sanding my Std Cirrus gel coat off before the weather turns cold.
>
> Lane Bush

Correct--those are the pieces I think I have some plastic with the right curvature for.

Thanks, Bob K.

[son_of_flubber]

Is wiring this up as a Condor simulator part of your plan? You could demonstrate the effect of the stick and rudder input on flight.

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, November 13, 2014 10:17:27 AM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:
> Is wiring this up as a Condor simulator part of your plan? You could demonstrate the effect of the stick and rudder input on flight.

That would be cool! Not part of the plan but if you want to take over that part of the project volunteers are welcome.

Lane

[[email protected]]

One canopy for both seats but (usually) it is/was two pieces of plastic with a "seam" between the seats. Ours had a single piece of plastic w/o the seam but I was told that this was an unapproved canopy. When the club folded we had two museums that wanted it for static display so we gave it to the one that asked first. I went to the museum a two years later and asked where it was. The reply - "It was bigger than we thought so we sold it for scrap.. We got $500." What a shame. It was a nicely painted example in above average shape.

[Frank Whiteley]

On Friday, November 14, 2014 5:20:06 AM UTC-7, wrote:
> One canopy for both seats but (usually) it is/was two pieces of plastic with a "seam" between the seats. Ours had a single piece of plastic w/o the seam but I was told that this was an unapproved canopy. When the club folded we had two museums that wanted it for static display so we gave it to the one that asked first. I went to the museum a two years later and asked where it was. The reply - "It was bigger than we thought so we sold it for scrap. We got $500." What a shame. It was a nicely painted example in above average shape.

Mike, that is a shame.

Some display aircraft are actually donated, but owners often only loan to museums or for displays. Many of the military aircraft you see displayed around the country are will owned by the USAF. Someone has to make a commitment in order to have them. Hopefully some of the L-13's will see a second life.

Frank Whiteley

[Bob Kuykendall]

On Friday, November 14, 2014 11:43:14 AM UTC-8, gotovkotzepkoi wrote:

> Let me get this straight - we are going to show off to the world an
> ancient glider which is no longer allowed to fly because it crashed and
> is considered unsafe. Does not sound like wise PR to me.

Does that mean you are donating your sailplane to the SSA to use for this purpose?

If so, that's great.

Thanks, Bob K.

[[email protected]]

On Friday, November 14, 2014 2:43:14 PM UTC-5, gotovkotzepkoi wrote:
> ;891762 Wrote:
> > Fellow Soaring Enthusiasts on RAS,
> >
> > The SSA and specifically the SSA Growth and Development committee have
> > accepted the donation of a Blanik L13 for use as a static display at
> > aviation events. Meant as a promotional tool, this purpose built
> > display will allow adults and kids to experience the excitement of
> > sitting in a glider, manipulating the controls and having their picture
> > taken. Adorned with flashy paint and logos, trivia, and web addresses,
> > we envision this aircraft will serve the sport for many years.
> >
> > Even though the glider and trailer were donated at no cost, the
> > restoration will take volunteer time and money. I encourage you to
> > follow the blog at
> >
> > http://www.ssa.org/GrowthDevelopment?show=blog&id=3813
> >
> > Come share the excitement as we try to convert this bird into the SSA
> > flagship. Bookmark for regular updates and feel free to help in any way
> > you can.. The goal is to unveil the ship at Sun N Fun 2015.
> >
> > Thanks
>
> Let me get this straight - we are going to show off to the world an
> ancient glider which is no longer allowed to fly because it crashed and
> is considered unsafe. Does not sound like wise PR to me.
>
>
>
> Lane came up with the idea. Donated the glider. Is funding most of the project. Is doing much/most of the work.
Your contribution is to criticize him.
You Sir- are an ass
UH
> --

[Ron Gleason]

On Friday, 14 November 2014 12:43:14 UTC-7, gotovkotzepkoi wrote:
> ;891762 Wrote:
> > Fellow Soaring Enthusiasts on RAS,
> >
> > The SSA and specifically the SSA Growth and Development committee have
> > accepted the donation of a Blanik L13 for use as a static display at
> > aviation events. Meant as a promotional tool, this purpose built
> > display will allow adults and kids to experience the excitement of
> > sitting in a glider, manipulating the controls and having their picture
> > taken. Adorned with flashy paint and logos, trivia, and web addresses,
> > we envision this aircraft will serve the sport for many years.
> >
> > Even though the glider and trailer were donated at no cost, the
> > restoration will take volunteer time and money. I encourage you to
> > follow the blog at
> >
> > http://www.ssa.org/GrowthDevelopment?show=blog&id=3813
> >
> > Come share the excitement as we try to convert this bird into the SSA
> > flagship. Bookmark for regular updates and feel free to help in any way
> > you can.. The goal is to unveil the ship at Sun N Fun 2015.
> >
> > Thanks
>
> Let me get this straight - we are going to show off to the world an
> ancient glider which is no longer allowed to fly because it crashed and
> is considered unsafe. Does not sound like wise PR to me.
>
>
>
>
> --
> gotovkotzepkoi

Nice job insulting volunteers. What are you contributing?

Oh wait, you also told the folks at W&W that their new web site sucks. Again a group of folks providing free service(s) to the soaring community and all you can do is put them down.

[Frank Whiteley]

On Friday, November 14, 2014 12:43:14 PM UTC-7, gotovkotzepkoi wrote:
> ;891762 Wrote:
> > Fellow Soaring Enthusiasts on RAS,
> >
> > The SSA and specifically the SSA Growth and Development committee have
> > accepted the donation of a Blanik L13 for use as a static display at
> > aviation events. Meant as a promotional tool, this purpose built
> > display will allow adults and kids to experience the excitement of
> > sitting in a glider, manipulating the controls and having their picture
> > taken. Adorned with flashy paint and logos, trivia, and web addresses,
> > we envision this aircraft will serve the sport for many years.
> >
> > Even though the glider and trailer were donated at no cost, the
> > restoration will take volunteer time and money. I encourage you to
> > follow the blog at
> >
> > http://www.ssa.org/GrowthDevelopment?show=blog&id=3813
> >
> > Come share the excitement as we try to convert this bird into the SSA
> > flagship. Bookmark for regular updates and feel free to help in any way
> > you can.. The goal is to unveil the ship at Sun N Fun 2015.
> >
> > Thanks
>
> Let me get this straight - we are going to show off to the world an
> ancient glider which is no longer allowed to fly because it crashed and
> is considered unsafe. Does not sound like wise PR to me.
>
>
>
>
> --
> gotovkotzepkoi

Getting an active glider to display during soaring season is usually a challenge. Taking a club or commercial glider off line for even a weekend day is always a challenge and impossible in some cases. Most private owners would rather be soaring. Some have been generous with their time and gliders though. L-13 is not an ugly duckling. Imagine how surprised the interested will be when they show up somewhere and find the fleet better than display. Better than showing an ASW-27 and having them show up and find a 2-22 maybe?

It's definitely worth a shot. L-13 is not the easiest to rig, but not harder than a 2-33 or even some G-103 in my experience.

We can carp all day, or get out there. Lane's is a very reasonable approach. Seems there are enough spare L-13's to maybe look at staging a few as the cost of prepping is likely less than the long-term cost of fuel dragging them around the country.

Frank Whiteley

[son_of_flubber]

A buffed up and sandblasted aluminum L-13 could be an eyecatcher next to a bunch of ho hum white fiberglass. And since it is not meant to fly, you could strip off some of the skin, show the bones and the working control linkages. If I were a kid, I'd want to see the guts. Heck. I still want to see the guts. Put some LED lights inside and some little plexiglas portals for the kids to peer through.

One good thing about this project is that you don't have to feel bad about ruining a perfectly good glider.

[kirk.stant]

On Saturday, November 15, 2014 1:43:05 PM UTC-6, gotovkotzepkoi wrote:
> Ron Gleason;891998 Wrote:
>> >
> > Let me get this straight - we are going to show off to the world an
> > ancient glider which is no longer allowed to fly because it crashed
> > and
> > is considered unsafe. Does not sound like wise PR to me.

Hmm, let's see: The Red Bull team uses L-13s - So probably more people have seen their videos than know what a "modern" glider looks like. And the L-13AC and L-23s are still pretty common.

You really need to do some research....

Kirk

[[email protected]]

Dear gotovkotzepkoi,

First, thanks for keeping this thread active! "Any publicity is good publicity", or something like that. I would reply via private phone call but I have no way of knowing who you are.

You are 100 percent correct that a Duo Discus, K21 or Grob 109 would be easier to rig, easier to pretty up and more exciting. However, the complications include the requirement that we not maintain ship in airworthy status to reduce insurance costs and exposure to SSA. There is also the issue of availability. I personally emailed and called several supporters of Soaring and none were in a position to give significant financial aid to this project.. As a result I was left to continue pursuing the project on my own up to the point that the SSA Board began to see the possibilities.

If this project works we see the need for two more ships to base across the country. As Frank pointed out the savings in fuel and convenience make it sensible. So, if you have a fiberglass ship to donate to this project please identify yourself. Even if your contribution is just a small cash donation we still welcome your gift to the Eagle Fund. I can be contacted by using the SSA Member Locater function on the SSA Web.

Hopefully you agree that interacting with kids and adults at air shows is a worthwhile goal. I hope you agree that placing the individual in the cockpit is better than having them remain beyond arms length. I agree that a fiberglass ship would be better. But we must use the resources available to us..

Sincerely
Lane Bush

[HGXC[_3_]]

I agree and applaud your efforts
Our club took its L-13 and displayed it in quirky museum at our airfield. It's there for the public to see, it's protected from the elements and it scares away the likes of gotov types -:)

Dennis

[HGXC[_3_]]

When ever you are ready to donate your duo discus for display we will be ready to promote it

Dennis

[Daryl Hickman]

A high-performance, glass ship would be wonderful to display at airshows. I can imagine how careful the 10-year old kid would be when he climbs in and out of it. I'm sure their parents would be equally responsible by making them take off their muddy shoes, all while insuring that they don't yank on any knobs or tear anything up so the sailplane could be placed immediately back in service after the event...

The L13 is a perfect ship for such a display. Cleaned up, it certainly looks more modern and is easier to climb in and out of than a 2-33.

Put up or shut up, I sent my (earmarked) donation to the Eagle Fund for the cause and have already received the thank you letter.

I'm always impressed and persuaded by the arguments of those who hide behind the anonymity of a fictitious name.

[HGXC[_2_]]

On Tuesday, November 18, 2014 6:03:07 PM UTC-5, Daryl Hickman wrote:
> A high-performance, glass ship would be wonderful to display at airshows. I can imagine how careful the 10-year old kid would be when he climbs in and out of it. I'm sure their parents would be equally responsible by making them take off their muddy shoes, all while insuring that they don't yank on any knobs or tear anything up so the sailplane could be placed immediately back in service after the event...
>
> The L13 is a perfect ship for such a display. Cleaned up, it certainly looks more modern and is easier to climb in and out of than a 2-33.
>
> Put up or shut up, I sent my (earmarked) donation to the Eagle Fund for the cause and have already received the thank you letter.
>
> I'm always impressed and persuaded by the arguments of those who hide behind the anonymity of a fictitious name.

I thought that was his real name! (0)

Dennis

[son_of_flubber]

Maybe Red Bull will pay you to put their logos on it. Their youtube videos are very popular.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zok7LltWU0E

[[email protected]]

On Friday, November 28, 2014 1:13:11 PM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:
> Maybe Red Bull will pay you to put their logos on it. Their youtube videos are very popular.
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zok7LltWU0E

Seems you are missing the point which is to promote US soaring and the SSA as he did on his personal Std Cirrus before.
UH