On Jul 20, 12:24*pm, bildan wrote:
So, forget handling qualities and worry about flying skills. *They're
FAR more important.

Nevertheless some manufacturers have in the past put performance ahead
of handling and others have put handling ahead of performance. While
a skilled pilot can overcome handling defficiencies they can kill an
inattentive or inexperienced pilot.

Any pilot considering purchasing a glider should consider at least -

Do I fit in it comfortably
Do I have adequate rear quadrant visibility to fly safely with other
gliders
Are the handling characteristics (particularly stall/spin) benign, or
am I skilled enough to cope with them if they are not.

To answer the OP question - based on 1,500 hours in the ASW-19b I can
say it has very pleasant handling and has no flight characterisitcs
that make it unsuitable for low time piilots. Its only vice is a
reluctance to go straight at the start of tow with a strong cross
wind, but that can be overcome by pilot skill.

Andy (GY)