I started using K2 LiFeP04 batteries in my glider in 2010. I have had excellent results with these batteries. The electronics, especially the radio, enjoy staying above 12V, and I've never run out of power inflight with them.. This winter after taking some of the instruments out to have them...

Thank you again for your advise. Any more thoughts on the LS4? Any concerns with the age? What should I pay for one? And are there any flying groups for the LS4? Thank you again and I hope I can contribute to the group as I go along. Jeff

I am very happy to report that the first public showing of "Cloudstreet: Soaring the American West" occurred last night at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science on the 50 foot Dyna Theater screen. Three hundred viewers got a chance to experience this truly unique showing of the...

Hi All, Recently I had a couple of people ask about position outages on IGCDroid cell phone recordings. I thought I would share what is happening as this is likely relevant to other pilots and other Android cell phone GPS apps. Note: As is often true with Android, not all phone behave the same...

What do the Swiss regard as "early March"? Mike

Like about 300 US Blanik L-13 sailplane owners, I have a ship that will probably never fly again. Just trying to find out what other owners are doing with their hangar queens. I know of one where the owners took it apart, separating the aluminum from the steel for sale to metal recyclers. From...

I think badges do serve a useful purpose to soaring, but I'm guessing that Al's comment is more geared toward the paperwork, documentation side of badges rather than the benefit that having a structured seat of goals established Badges keep many pilots focused on soaring where a lack of...

serious question. in this day and age where the slippery glass reigns supreme are there any wooden gliders actually worth building ? if your son was on the way to a glider instructors rating, as mine is, is there a wooden glider design that would be worth building ? something with reasonable...

Accidents have ocurred when a pilot performs a high speed, low level finish along the centerline of the runway, or over the airport, then fails to control the aircraft properly and crashes. In some cases, these displays have influenced other pilots who do not have the experience or skills...

Complete and unused Windrose I and II plans and building instructions. Includes extra plans and instructions for 15 meter wings. $300 + you pay shipping. Contact Doug Hoffman at or 248-576-5580 Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm ET 248-693-8835 evenings and weekends.

Any 55 owners fitted winglets to their ships? Thoughts... comments?? Tom Gilbert

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...

Ok guys, this has probably been covered in older posts but what are you all using regarding urinary relief on long flights? Ive used gallon ziplock bags in the past but whats your experience with cathaters. What brand and how are they.

Winch for Sale - U.S. (Pennsylvania) Philadelphia Glider Council is selling a 350 Chevy based winch with 4500 ft. of relatively new high tensile rope. Capable of launching a max gross Grob 103 to 1200 ft with 3600 ft of cable out. Complete with chute and rigging - ready to go. $5,000 USD. Contact...

Can anyone direct me to Clubs / Web sites using this method of launching - Interested in finding out more about this method, particularly from clubs that operate from gravel/dirt strips Thank you John Spargo

Dear expert soaring pilots, What would be a nice metal equivalent of the KA6E or Foka 4? I am asking because those ships are 40+ years old now and I am concerned about the aging wood... Should I be concerned? Is there any relevant metal alternative to those ships? I would also be interested in...

Lots of earnest opinions, some more strident than others. Lots of confident statements about what works, doesn't work, is possible, is futile, is inevitable. So let's keep it simple: if you have flown in a contest at any level where stealth was mandated (not necessarily mandatory FLARM, but if...

Does anyone have a strong recommendation for a good handheld radio/ transceiver for me to use as a backup? I don't need ILS/Nav aides. I am confused after looking at Sporty's, ICom, & Vertex. My children are trying to get a recommendation from me for a Christmas gift Steve Chase Lambada...

This may be a bit of an unusual request but this club-owned glider is for sale and I am considering buying it. I have a copy the logs books and am aware of its official history but I'm looking for a subjective opinion from anyone who might have first hand experience with the glider. Its 3000 miles...

Groupflights, a new Python program, now updates club/group web pages to show recent personal flight distance and speed improvements, recent top flights and all-time top flights. Updated daily from WeGlide, OnLineContest, and SkyLines. You can see a working example at...