Kirk Stant wrote:

But more to the point of this discussion: The real equipment
requirement for XC is a good trailer! If you are not willing to land
out, you will be really reluctant to push out XC, regardless of the
glider you are flying. A 1-26 with a good trailer is a lot of fun
(you can land anywhere), but a Grob 103 that is never disassembled
(and nobody knows where the trailer is) is a real disincentive to XC.


I'd expand this: it's not just the trailer, but a willing and eager crew
that really encourage a pilot to go cross-country (a good trailer will
make it easier to find that "willing and eager" crew!). Readily
available aerotow retrieves qualify as "willing and eager" crew, too.
You've got to be able to concentrate on your flight without worrying
about the retrieve, which is one reason I now have a motorglider (my
crew is still willing but not so eager anymore).

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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA