On Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 11:56:30 AM UTC-4, wrote:
Excellent!

Thanks so much for the wisdom. They should make this post a "sticky" or something for folks buying a first-time XC glider.

I do have time in our glass ship the PW-6 (two seat version of "world class" PW-5). And I LOVE it. I was hoping to get checked out in our PW-5 before the season ends, but that may not happen due to old man winter stealing our fun.

However, I'll be spending a week in Estrella in November just flying everything they will let me.

Also, a big reason for wanting my own ship is so I *can* take it to places like Ephrata, Wanatchee, and Northern Cali.

I'll update as I go through the purchase process...

Please! Give as much thought to automatic hookups and the type of trailer that will come with the ship. I good trailer will help with the assembly and give you more time to focus on having things really checked out before each flight. It will make cross country more enjoyable because it will bother you less with considering whether or not to fly on certain days. Automatic hook up of the controls will take some stress out of the equation. A good trailer is a big part of the equation not to be dismissed. In my opinion, as much of a determinat as that of flaps or no flaps.