Our club (CCSC) is starting to think about providing real-time SPOT- based glider track displays for ground crew/spectators for our 2009 Region 6 contest, and I was wondering if other clubs were considering similar programs. Sure would be a cool thing if the SSA and/or SRA were to provide a...

With all the talk on 13.5m electric stuff, new class of "soaring competition" etc... A challenge for anyone currently flying only gliders with some sort of "method of propulsion": Fly a season in pure glider to get your chops and credibility back up. You don't have to buy a new glider, either...

Hi all, I have just grudgingly put my Sisu on the market, and the WingsandWheels ad should be on tomorrow or so. I have cut and pasted the ad I submitted though, complete with links to detailed pictures and history. It makes me very sad to let her go, but I am trying to generate cash for another...

As a still under 40, very active standard class pilot with an LS8 and a Duckhawk on order, and who has flown a few regionals and one nationals (Montague 2012), I'll chime in with a few observations about why I haven't been very motivated to fly any US-based competitions this year. (1) Time...

Hi All - After my Soaring report Tuesday (frozen toes), I got a recommendation for "Sorel Bear" boots. These look like they might be stiff in the ankle making rudder operation annoying (a problem with my current poorly-insulated...

As soon as my subscription runs out, the program starts acting up. This really ****es me off. I paid for the program and the fact that they sabotage it to get you to purchase the upgrade is very disappointing. If I don't want the "improvements", the program that I paid for should still work. In my...

Yes I've read lots of posts about buying a first glider. My heart is set on an LS-4 since I'd like to stay in the roughly $30K US price range with a decent panel and trailer. BUT, what if I just don't want gelcoat because sooner or later it will have to be refinished and that doesn't make any...

I am interested in hear U.S. glider pilot comments on the pros/cons of all these sites for soaring forecasts. I have used them all at one time or another and find them generally comparable. But, some like RASP and DrJack do a much better job of locating convergence zones/shear lines....

Hi, has anyone comparison of those sunglasses? I'd like to buy one of these, however not quite sure which are best for soaring Thanks in advance, MG

A winter reading suggestion: I've just finished "Soaring, Beyond The Basics" by Dale Masters & enthusiastically recommend it. It's all about developing airmanship, sensitivity to the terrain & interpreting clues to lift. Dale's dry humor & clear writing style make this book an enjoyable page turner...

Anybody out there got a low time Grob 102 hiding somewhere they would like to sell?

Hi guys, It has been a while since I have posted here. I have finally narrowed my search to 2 gliders. I am aware of the following on each glider: Jantar - Visibility during tow, and tight cockpit (I am 5'10' 148 lbs so I fit ok). Pik 20D - Thick wing mold, parts support, and flaps.

I'm really curious what weak link people are using to winch launch Blaniks with. If you are using the CG bridle, do you use the blue tost weak link (in the BGA list) or a stronger one? Blue seems too weak and wants to break frequently and under only moderate climb angles. The L-13 manual...

From looking at the sports class nationals scores, And seeing that their have been only THREE landouts in four days of a 42 glider NATIONALS, I'm thinking CD McQuigg is not pushing his troops hard enough at this huge contest. I have heard that he is an ultra- conservative CD, which is fine for a...

The operating manual for the Becker ATC 4401-1-xxx transponder has the following specifications: (http://www.beckerusa.com/products/detail/pdfs/ATC4401-1-I+O.pdf) Max. operating altitude : - ATC 4401-1-175 15000 ft. - ATC 4401-1-250 50000 ft. and

I'm restoring a 1963 Std Austria and trying to decide the risks and merits of load testing the wings. I can't find anything definitive on the web, at least nothing that doesn't get contradicted by some other source. My concern is that load testing may damage the wings in an undetected way. OTOH,...

I've committed to buy an L-23 in Sarasota Springs, New York. It includes an enclosed trailer. I need it to come to Walla Walla, WA. Anybody coming in west that wants some help with expenses? Would like to have it shipped right after January 1. Thanks!

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/02/28/fossett.branson/ Any news if he launched succesfully? If you got rid of the jet engine...what sort of L/D might that thing have? And what would you use to tow it?

Reception is good and, until recently, transmission has been good, as well. Lately, transmission has been intermittent. The radio transmits carrier, but no modulation. I have gotten a few false starts since one time moving the boom microphone caused it to transmit again. Thinking of frayed,...

My new Schleicher ASG 29 18m sailplane and trailer will be available in the USA in July of 2006. It will only be used for the WGC in Sweden and then shipped to the East Coast. Please email me to discuss. Priced below replacement cost. Rick Walters Minden, Nevada