Hi, we have released a new software version 3.2 for the PowerFLARM displays/Butterfly displays that increases font-size by 40% (which is a lot). Some other minor changes are included as well. • Better readability, larger fonts • Shows installed PowerFLARM® licenses • Support for latest FLARM®...

While looking at the UV damage done to the gelcoat on my glider, it reminds me how much UV radiation we are exposed to while soaring. Particularly out west! Coolibar (no affilation) is in the Sun Protection Clothing business. Take a look at their website. They are making some great products...

Perlan has climbed above release height. I believe the first soaring flight this season for them. http://www.perlanproject.cloud/VirtualCockpit.html

Hi guys, Our club is having a discussion about the merits of reducing airbrake on short final (well before the flare) in order to reduce the rate of descent on the last part of finals - in particular after using full airbrake to correct an overshoot i.e. you are still overshooting but reduce...

What are your thoughts regarding the Phoebus A as a first glider for a low-time pilot who received their training in a 2-33? I have the opportunity to acquire a Phoebus for a very good price from the club that I'm training with, but it has not flown in over 15yrs. No one knows of any obvious...

Folks, I'm doing an informal survey. How many of you are members of a club that still has a 1-26 in your club fleet?

Yeah, I know I should "buy a new logger". But, I fly old sailplanes. :-) Anyone had success uploading a file from a Model 20 and getting a valid score? I am 0 for 3. The first two, I wrote off to too few satellites a couple of times during the flight. Didn't have that issue today, but still a...

The FAA is sticking to its guns in holding that a rated power pilot who is out of currency in his power rating cannot solo in a glider when the transition pilot is not current (no current flight review) in his other rating. The most recent legal opinion is dated today, April 27, and addressed to...

Are there significant differences between these batteries? Why is there a 50% difference in their cost? I've noticed that some brands have more restrictive low temperature limits - not good for those cold wave flights! Chris

I did spin training in CA shortly after recieving my glider license. It has been very helpful for me as I have continued along with glider flight. How many of you, US pilots, have had formal spin instruction (not one spin but half a day or more)? Personally I am amazed that a US glider pilot can...

My first BFR is coming up soon. That gives you an idea of how long I've been flying. At this point, I figure Gold Distance and Duration are quite doable on a "good" day. Those badges will be challenging, but within reach. The altitude gain is not impossible, but unlikely where I fly. The biggest...

From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements. It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the...

Hey group! We are very excited to announce that a Sunlight readable Oudie will become available shortly (mid April) and maybe even more significantly that we went into considerable trouble and will be be able to upgrade your old Oudie too! Full news announcement is...

Witnesses indicate two sailplanes in the same thermal. Anyone have pilot names or are these Alberta Soaring Council people? Some of them were just here with their new winch, visiting us in the Southwest US. WWW.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2011/09/04/bc-glider-crash.html Karen

Since satellite cover has been withdrawn for 121.5 (High false alert rate, poor localization) 406.0 and 406.1 ELTs will be needed, following a recent FCC determination. Brian W

I am writing this to ask experienced soaring pilots to correct me where you have acquired different wisdom, or your local conditions are different, or where you have something more to add. I hope this turns into a thread on "How I keep going" - there must be scores of pilots more excellent than I...

Hi, I have a friend that has an LX Colibri (the older model without a USB connector) and he is having a tough time getting it connected to his new laptop. The manual I found online for the laptop does not show it having a PC Card (PCMCIA card) slot or an ExpressCard slot. I have had the best...

If you are an experienced contest pilot or just considering entering your first contest check out the SSA website contest results and photos (http://www.ssa.org/members/contestreports/contestresults.asp) of this year's event at Air Sailing. This year we experienced soaring conditions with speeds...

I have noticed over the years that this glider sells for what seems to be a very low price given that it is a near 50:1 glider. But I notice lately that there are also some for sale on Wings & Wheels with relatively low total time: 320 hours $21k 260 hours $20k 200 hours $15k Other than the...

I just received an e-mail from Argentina that contained the text below. "Today, Dec 22nd 2006 at 1:00 AM UTC, Klaus Ohlmann called me on the phone just after landing to let me know he have made a 500 Km flight at 306 km/h on average in a Nimbus 4DM... this could be the first above 300 km/h and...