Eric Greenwell wrote:
TTaylor at cc.usu.edu wrote:

I still think the Jantar Standard meets all those criteria. My first
ship was a Std. Cirrus. If I listened to all the pundits I should have
been killed because they are so hard to fly. What I found was it was
one of the nicest ships around for a first glass and I flew my first
cross countries to my diamond distance flights in the ship.


As the former owner of a Std Cirrus that I enjoyed for two years and 300
hours, I have to respectfully disagree with Tim's assessment of the Std
Cirrus. The Std Cirrus has poor spoilers, the early models had spun
easily, the all-flying tail is a handful over 80 mph (literally - two
hands on the stick), the wheel brake is pathetic, and the crash
protection is minimal (as were all gliders of the era). Nowadays, there
are MUCH better choices. I would much rather see any pilot in an LS4 (or
later design), and especially a low time pilot.


Hi Eric

As current and low time owner of a Std Cirrus -

Yes the airbrakes are mediocre - unless you fit the modification to two plate.
My early model will drop a wing with very little warning, but if you unload the
wing she does not enter a full spin.
If your trim springs are right the all flying tail needs two fingers at any
speed up to Vne - been there.
In the hands of an inexperienced pilot PIO on landing can be a problem. (don't
ask)That elevator is sensitive, as you said.
What wheel brake -

Cirrus certainly forced me to grow my skills, and the Cirrus is
- A great climber
- Not full of vices
- Demanding of precision - which is a good thing if you are learning
- Comfortable for a big lump like me
- Affordable, was the best available that I could afford
- Very favourably handicapped for contests and OLC
- Mine has the best trailer in the club

Are there easier / better gliders - yes - even when it was new. Conversely my
Cirrus has national and international record flights for the first decade of
it's existence.

SO advice remains - Get the best glider you can, and make sure it has a good
trailer, have an instructor who can guide you, treat it with respect.

I am sure I will graduate onto "better" gliders like you, but Std Cirrus #57 has
taken me from a goldfish pilot to a beginner XC and contest pilot, and taught me
a lot. I will no doubt have a MUCH greater appreciation of the genteel manners
of my next airplane, at this stage I don't know better and am very happy with
what I have.

The one thing that will/does motivate me to move up is the crash protection.
First generation glass is not going to be much protection in a crash...

With respect though - the glider is the least of your worries, bad decision
making is far more likely to get you hurt.

--
Bruce Greeff
Std Cirrus #57
I'm no-T at the address above.