As a relative newcomer to flying sailplanes, ( I started flying sailplanes 4
years ago, with a background in power and hang gliders. )
here's my take on the world class concept.

There seems to be 2 different purposes that the 'World Class'
was supposed to fulfill.

1) good one-design competition
2) simple easy early solo glider

Does it fulfill these needs ?

1) good one-design competition ?
NO, it's too damn slow ! and ugly !
and there are not enough around to have good competition !

2) simple easy early solo glider ?

For a club, maybe. Our club bought a Blanik L-33
before I joined, and it seems to work pretty well for this
purpose. For really early solo pilots the 1-26 works well also.
The PW-5 seems to have no advantage over the L-33 or used glass.

As a newly licensed glider shopper, I wanted better performance than
the PW-5 would have given me. I bought a used Grob-102 and have had
lots of fun.

My question to the PW-5 supporters.

Would YOU buy one ? As the glider YOU flew every good soaring day ?
If you want the class to grow, sell whatever you have and buy a PW-5.


Todd Smith
Grob 102 3S