wrote:
Frank Whiteley wrote:
wrote:
Derek Copeland wrote:
Standard Cirrus or Mark 1 Discus perhaps.

Derek Copeland

At 22:54 02 July 2006, Js wrote:

Asbjorn Hojmark wrote:

Don't know about about your side of the pond, but
here in Europe, LS4
would be the obvious choice.

That was my thought when the idea came up of the
'World Class
Sailplane'.
LS-4: Easy to fly, performs very well, good stall characteristics,

comfortable even for a tall or wide pilot, easy to
rig, has a built-in
mechanical gear-up alarm. It's even good looking.
There are quite a few LS-4s in the USA, but not as
many as in Europe.
Few US clubs and commercial operators bought LS-4 or
Discus. At home
right now, AS-W20 is the most common design.
Another great one-design possibility!
Jim



There is, gentlemen, one-design class in place already. It is called
the World Class. It is here and it is going to stay. I just don't see
the reason that you can't seem to accept that. Having flown 1-26 and
also the PW-5 I would not hesitate to get into PW-5 and fly it. It is a
good little ship, it was built for a purpose and it is serving that
purpose well. Now, the 1-26 is a good ship as well, but.....it is old,
it is tired and it is difficult to maintain. Well, we can carry this
discussion forever, there will be proponents of PW or the Schweitzer,
but as far as I am concerned one design class is already here and you
are simply trying to reinvent the wheel.

Jacek
Washington State
One design classes might be a reasonable criteria for the World Class,
aiming at the recurring World Air Games. Perhaps the rides could also
be a moving target. Rather than specify a single design like the
marginally received PW-5, make the class contingent upon a minimum
number built, so access and popularity is virtually assured. For
example, 200 built (or still in service), glider make/model is eligible
for selection. One World Air Games, LS-4 or Std Jantar 2. Next WAG,
maybe ASW-20b, following games, ASW-27 or LS-8 or even Libelle 201B.
Properly approached it could have a positive outcome and possibly serve
soaring better as a segment of the World Air Games. With a few years'
lead time, securing the ride and preparing it would be doable.

If approached properly, there could be many other positive results from
such a strategy.

I don't think things have to be formalized at such a high level. Just
organize a regional ASW-20-only contest. That sounds amply doable for a
single motivated person with a bit of racing experience. And since the
plane is so common, there should be lots of prospective competitors.

Johan Larson
Hopefully, that would be the grassroots level impact. If the world
class is to be represented at the WGC from 2008 (PW-5) and the
competitors desire is to move away from the PW-5, a top down approach
is warranted without quibbling for a new design. A determination could
be made that the World Class 2010 will be contested with PIK20's, in
2012 with LS-4's, in 2014 with ASW-20's or something similar. Let the
national's follow suit in preparation. First and foremost, most of
these are old enough that the price peak's are past. There were
produced in such numbers that they are widely available and owners may
not be adverse to loaning or renting them out. Many of the trailer
queens might get back in the air. The World Air Games occur less
frequently but could be approached similarly. The cost of entry would
be no more than new contruction and could be considerably less. It
might also bring more pilots into racing.

Frank Whiteley