Does anyone have any data, preferably quantitative, about what sort of braking performance is required? On the one hand, it would seem that effective braking is primordial for safe landing in the event of an outlanding, but on the other hand many gliders seem to have inadequate brakes, to put it...

The nine px Alice prototype suffered a setback in Arizona as a fire on the ground damaged the plane significantly, ahead of planned taxi tests. https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/eviation-alice-prototype-damaged-by-electric-fire-in-arizona/136327.article In other electrifying news, a...

Hi all. First off, I was a fairly experienced CFI and Chief Flight Instructor with a great record, and am now a Commercial Glider Pilot, so I'm not a total newbie in the glider world. I realize that my initial question may be obvious to some, but here in South Florida, we NEVER land out in fields...

Is gel coat crazing purely a cosmetic problem or does it pose a threat to the structural integity of the underlying fiberglass? I realize this is a controbersial issue but I would really like to hear the current opinions of members with experience refinishing gel coated gliders.

When I installed Power Flarm (PF) in 2013, I had no idea whether it would ever 'save my butt'. Not many people have it in my area. Last October I was flying by myself on a weekday in the Sugarbush Wave, at 8000 climbing, and squawking 1202 (on a TT21 that came with the glider). I gave Burlington...

Good Evening All: After a very long wait, the GP 14 Velo took to the air yesterday (November 24th) from Krosno, Poland by both aero-tow and electric self-launch. More details to come but check GP Gliders on FaceBook for pictures and video. First pilot reports are very good. We are finally...

PowerFLARM is supposed to have the capability to detect and display Mode S 1090ES position data on its display. How many aircraft (Airliners, bizjets?) currently send out 1090ES data? This is for the US, of course. Kirk 66

Although I have not heard anything on the radio or TV, the NY Times this morning pointed out that the pilot of the Airbus is a certified glider pilot. I think this provides the SSA with a rare opportunity to potentially increase our membership by taking the following actions: 1. Immediately...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huk_WOxk1oc After seeing this video, I think I'm going to try and recruit 5 people to help me assemble my ship instead of just one....

A friend keeps insisting that a 4-place glider was built at one time. Can anyone verify, identify, or point to a picture?

Hi All, Assuming a budget of under $30k, I'm looking at upgrading my Russia AC-4. She's an excellent ship and I could do a whole lot more with her... But with our weak conditions locally, I find myself itching for a few more points of glide (currently about 31:1) and a lower min-sink (currently...

Y'all, Been many years on rec.aviation.student but even more years since gliding. Unable to explain the 'why' of water ballast to increase performance in gliders to argumentative airplane student. I need a simple explanation in 25 words or less. Gene Whitt

Thanks for all of the advise. I dont think I can afford a B or C and I have made 2 minor errors in preflight in all of my hours. Any suggestions on a 25k and under sailplane would be appreciated. Jeff

I am a big believer in having some form of survival kit in my glider. Even in the "wilds" of the midwest I can get stuck outside for a while before being "rescued". I am always on the lookout for items to add to my kit which I have built up over time. Whistles, fire starters, signal mirrors,...

I was very pleased to see the advert in the December issue of "Soaring Magazine". See: www.safeflight.com Does anybody know more about this device - especially the price? Bill Daniels

Good evening, I need some assistance! I am an early solo pilot looking to buy my first glider, but don't really know what to go for! I want it for local soaring, but eventually to go cross country in it. The slight issue is that I am 6`4 tall and 17.5 stone - arguably too heavy, but the question...

Mr. Ray Galloway (P1) asked for me to post the following note: There has been much discussion over the differences between the FAI rules and the US rules. This is partly due to the fact that the US is the only country that does not follow FAI rules. At the 1985 WGC the US team was among the top...

I'm just getting back into the sport after a long hiatus. I've seen that a lot of glider pilots fly with parachutes (ones they wear) and I have seen Ballistic Recovery System parachutes in planes as well. From my layman's view, it appears that getting out of a plane using a traditional chute after...

SoaringNV is sponsoring a Minden Wave Camp this week. As part of our camp we have invited the tower controllers from Reno TRACON to talk to us about communication with them, something we do for every camp. We learned, quite inadvertantly, that a nationwide transponder squawk code has been...

Is it legal in the US to fly gliders while taking drugs such as Prozac, Effexor, or Lithium for depression given that a medical certificate is not required??