On Jan 7, 11:05*am, Bob Whelan wrote:

By my characterization you've listed 3 1st generation glass 15-meter
ships. *Though Mini-Nimbii C models do have carbon (I believe), the
basic design is 1st-generation 15-meter. *Each on your list pretty much
uses the same Wortmann FX 67K 150/170 airfoils.

Right, although at different thicknesses, empty weights, control
layouts, cockpit designs, tail sizes, and such. ;-)

Add to that list Slingsby Vegas and Zunis. *

I have never heard of the Vegas - will have to look it up.

Before I bought my Russia I went to So. Cal. and looked at the very
last Zuni II ever built. I didn't fly it; but messed around with it
on the ground for an hour or two. The push-pull stick (even though
this one was center-mounted) did NOT feel good to me - the thought of
having to move my whole arm (with the sensitivity of an all-flying
tail) just looked like it would make for VERY little feel/feedback.
Also, I am 6' 1" and 200 lbs - and my legs interfered a bit with the
flap operating crank. I concluded that the Zuni is a cool ship, but
not for me.

...and yes, if the LS-3 flaperons didn't require so much darned lead,
I would totally be happy with its rigging! *chuckle*

I would be curious to hear more information about how the LS fittings
are "semi-automatic". I've seen guys with PIKs and ASW's fishing
around behind their seat for control hookups and it just didnt look
like any fun! :-P

...My Russia has totally spoiled me, rigging-wise. With _no_ support
gear besides a stool, I can single-handedly pull my wings from the
trailer, carry one under my arms, and hook it up. Total time to rig
(without tape): 7 minutes by myself. 5 minutes with a helper!

There are a couple of Libelles at our field, and while I fit in them
(just barely, but comfortably) I would like to try for something a
little newer (though an H-301 is definitely on my list of
possibilities).

Since I also help friends rig an Apis or two, then watch G102s and
PIKs and an Open Cirrus struggle to get hooked up, I'm a bit gunshy
about heavy and non-automatic-hookup aircraft. Perhaps unnecessarily
so?

When it comes to performance - if you really think the performance is
that close, then I'd put more emphasis on handling. Which of these
aircraft do folks think is the most maneuverable / responsive?

Thanks for all of the advice, and I'm open to more!

Take care,

--Noel