Some of you know who I am and that I have not had a real sailplane since I sold my Ventus2CX a few years ago. I am still waiting for Flarms to be mandatory in all contests before I try to find a way back into competition. What I have been doing is flying my electric Lazair and RV8. A lot of you...

The results of all three FLARM Fund MIRA surveys are now tabulated and have been attached as Appendices to the FLARM Fund Submission 1 to the SSA Rules Committee. This submission can be viewed as a PDF with this link, http://www.FlarmFund.com/RC_Submission_1.pdf , or as a Word file with this link,...

For those of you who have asked about mounting options for the portable PowerFLARM, I have taken the time to make a 3-d model of an idea I've had for a while and which should lend itself well to this application. It is described and rendered here http://www.FlarmFund.org/flarm_fund_002.htm I hope...

Does anyone have a spare steel (D) O2 bottle they would sell? It needs to be 108mm (4.25") or less in diameter. John Murray found us one but we need two more. They vary considerably in diameter and the Mfg. is not interested in sorting out a few smaller ones for our use. Thanks. Dale Bush

I learned yesterday that Jan Driessen flew his 25,000th glider flight at Seminole Lake glider port in Florida. Jan (pronounced Yon) and also known as CP or Chili Pepper, pioneered soaring in the late 70's in the Montague, Shasta Valley area. He presently has a permanent residence near Weed...

I have a Ilec SN10 B flight computer with rear seat repeater and four meters to give to a non profit club. I would prefer to give it to an organization that has a youth training program. It also has 2 remote controllers, and a Ilec USB adaptor. I can include a Cambridge model 20 GPS and display...

I would like to replace the plastic bumper trim around the sides of my Cobra trailer. I did this to a Cobra a number of years ago and remember it being a nightmare. Has anyone done this and, if so, do you have any tips to make it easier. This is a ASH 25 trailer and is two feet longer than...

We're looking for a seal kit to rebuild the shock strut on our 2 place lark if anyone knows where parts can be found. I understand the Blanik also has the same strut. Dale

Soaring Magazines....35+ years worth. If you are an enthusiast, they are free. Dale Thompson

In 1967-68 I took some early glider training at Calistoga, California. Am now assembling some history notes. Does anyone have any recollections to share about Mike Duffy and Calistoga Air Park? Thanks, Dale Thompson Dale

I received these as a gift and never used them. Size is (36-42waist, 36 long) You can view the item on the website here reliefwear.com, but I don't think he sells them anymore. Cost new is $90 plus shipping, first $35 takes it, shipping to 48 states included.

Hi Gang I received a large number of responses to my posting both on RAS (25) and privately and would like to respond to some of the issues. Firstly I would like to reiterate that the reason for my posting was to make pilots aware of not paying attention to critical considerations, situations can...

Hi Gang This is a tough and pretty rigorous article on the flying characteristics of todays' and yesterdays' large soaring birds with comparisons to modern gliders (ASW21). Worth a read. (Originally posted on the paraglider SFBAPA Group.) Dave http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/104/30/12398

Hi Gang Having a LSA power plane and in reviewing the proposed new experimental certifications (FAA Order 8130.2F) which includes gliders left me very puzzled. Why would anyone register a glider or motor glider as an experimental or standard light sport aircraft (LSA) although 8130.2F...

Hi Gang As of August 1, 08 a new set of rules, agreed to between the FAA and Pasco, has taken effect for the 2 wave window areas both north and south of Reno Intl. These new rules initiated by the FAA are due to the Hawker/ glider midair about 2 years ago and need to improve safety in the air. I...

Hi Gang Last week Minden had some excellent wave soaring. Off tow at 7.7k msl and within minutes up to 18k. I decided to go up north skirting Reno Intl. I had the transponder on and was monitoring Reno Approach. My goal was to try and fly as fast as possible maintaining an altitude very close to...

I have decided to down size my fleet of soaring machines to the SparrowHawk and the Stemme S10-VT. I have owned the DG800B since new in 1998. It comes with a Cobra trailer, single person assembly wing dolly, EDS oxygen, Cambridge LNAV with iPAQ 3900 with GN11, transponder and many other options. It...

Hi Gang I picked up the SparrowHawk almost a month ago from Bend, Oregon after flying it in marginal conditions there for just less than an hour. This posting updates my thoughts and experiences with this ultralight machine. Remember that since the SparrowHawk weighs less than 155lbs it can be...

I committed one of the worst errors - an incomplete preflight check. I did not check the hotelier locks to the spoiler rods with enough care before takeoff. Coming into the pattern I extended the spoilers and noticed immediately that something was wrong. The glider (SparrowHawk) was pulling to one...

Hi Group Will someone please explain why negative flaps supposedly provides better aileron control. I know conventional wisdom says that it does but WHY? It is not intuitively obvious at least to me. Yes I have tried negative flaps at low speeds both on the roll and braking but its effect as far as...