Thread: szd 55-1
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Old March 19th 08, 07:23 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default szd 55-1

Also biased as an owner for 6 years.....

I agree on the wing drop, and rudder corrects it in time. I have both
hooks. Have never aborted due to wing drop. It is the only thing I
wish I could change. I have the air dams at the inboard end of each
aileron, always been there, they do not seem to help.

I find it has no other bad habits. It just seems to do everything
expected of it with no surprises. But I fly a lot and lower time
pilots may have different habits. I have to remember to practice a
stall from time to time. Mine has the stall warning on the ASI. Be
sure what you buy has the equipment required by the Type Certificate
for your country. Some (USA??) lack the ASI warning.

I disagree with 'really demands your concentration at all times'.... I
cannot imagine what that person means, unless one day he did something
real stupid and now wants to blame the ship. That said, I am not sure
you EVER want to drop 100% concentration in the air. But, since he
said it to warn or scare you, I would just say I feel no need for any
change in concentration versus a 2-33, 1-26 or a Puchacz.... remain
aware at all times in all aircraft.

It is roomy enough. (5'10", 200 lbs.) and lots of leg room.

They used both a factory made canopy and Mecaplex, the factory canopy
has a slight flat spot you will notice only if you see each side by
side. So ask.

It is a joy to (self) rig, and no one objects to helping after they
realize how light the wings are.

It has plenty of airbrake and slips nicely.

It likes some water on every flight. or lots, depending on conditions.
Some say it is too light, but that is a great attribute if you live
where conditions are not always strong, you may float back home more
readily. If you never get light conditions you might not like putting
on the water.

Structurally it is a but light/weaker in the tail boom and around the
wheel than some ships I am told, so a very bad landing may cause grief
where some stronger ships might take the abuse.

It has the prettiest wing plan form in the air I think. A factory
attempt at tips showed very little or no improvement. A friend tried
them. I flew against it and saw nothing worth all the work... and they
spoiled the nice shape!

I am seeing gel coat cracking on both wings. 1995. 2000+ hours.

Yes, the quality of nuts and bolts leaves a bit to be desired since
they can discolor at times.

Don't squeeze hard on the rudder surfaces, you may leave dimples.

I find some who have owned one, or were a dealer, have had some small
negative things to say, but to balance that I know no one who owns one
saying "I'd like to sell this thing". I know one pilot just bought one
here, another is looking.... they have a following, resell quickly
when priced properly and of course are being built new. Lots of OLC
logs to review, up to 1,010 KM this year.

Hope this helps.

Bob