On 10/15/2013 3:29 PM, Seattle wrote:
I'm in the market for a standard class or 15 meter flapped ship. This is
my first ship, and I doubt I want to deal with 18 m of wings.

An example would be a Discus 2 vs ASW 27. Currently most of my flight
goals are simple: get as high up, and far out as possible. Speed is nice,
but I'm doubtful I'll be comfortable in a competition for many seasons.

All other things being equal, which is the better type (flapped or
non-flapped) for staying up a long time and, eventually, cross country
flights?

Thanks!


Remember Bill Murray in "Meatballs"? (It doesn't matter. It just doesn't
matter. It REALLY doesn't matter!!!...)

"Pilot, know thyself!" applies, e.g. your comment, "...I doubt I want to deal
with 18 m of wings" suggests to me you're pondering these sorts of aspects. In
performance terms, there's no practical difference between flapped/unflapped
15-meter ships, for where you are on soaring's grand and endlessly long
learning curve (hence the Bill Murray reference)...and there won't be for
years, if you're "a typical human glider pilot." (You'll know if and when
you've reached "the detectable performance difference" stage.)

Find something within your budget and geographic convenience parameters, in
which you can fit, that has "a decent trailer" (your definition), have someone
more knowledgeable than you co-inspect it and its paperwork if you wish, buy
it, and then go and have even more fun than looking for it was!

Lettuce know what you eventually get!

Bob W.