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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Does anyone have any data on whether the iPhone X OLED screen will be more sunlight readable than previous iPhones? The brightness spec looks the same (625cd/m2), but I see no data on the screen reflectance.

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...

Hei, our ASK-13, LN-GBQ, is for sale. The glider recently (1999) had an extensive overhaul, and is in very good condition. For more info, see: http://www.wavecamp.no/2005/ln-gbq/ or contact mr. Hans Langan at email: phone: +47 934 22 441

I received an email stating that my diamond goal flight has been rejected due to a typo on my igc declaration. Despite the fact that the security was good, all turnpoints rounded ok, and everything else good, it's still rejected. On the IGC declaration where it says "registered ID" I typed in...

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...

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

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.

I'm looking to move up a level from my ASW 15. Ideally, I'd like an LS 4 but they are few and far between. A couple of Pegasuses (Pegasi?) are listed on W&W and seem to be reasonably priced for what you get. I am in the US and am aware of the 3000 hr issue but don't fly enough for that to be a...

PowerFlarm officially releasing the new PowerFLARM Fusion. It replaces PowerFLARM Core and comes loaded with features: • Connect smartphones and tablets via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth • FLARM Hub web app for easy upgrades, configuration, and maintenance • GDL 90 protocol for streaming traffic data...

Hi Gang I had not expected to be offered the opportunity to fly the first Carat delivered in the US. But I did today and I really liked what I found. This is my report. Supposing you wanted to come up with a wish list of the characteristics of an ideal self powered glider for use from the...