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Old January 3rd 21, 03:39 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Eric Greenwell[_4_]
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Default First glider Nimbus 2 ?

Sula wrote on 1/3/2021 7:18 AM:
isn't it true, that flying a glider with L/D 50 and sink rate of 0,5 m/s creates much smaller risk of outlanding altogether ?


Smaller, but probably not much smaller. And to become the pilot you want to be, you'll need to get comfortable with outlandings.


The risk of landing out is determined by the pilot's choices, not the glide ratio. You can fly
a 30:1 glider to the same landout risk as a 50:1 glider, but the 50:1 glider will allow you to
roam over a bigger area for the same risk.


there are lots of large agricultural fields in that part of Poland.


Yes, much of Poland is very glider-friendly (when crops aren't tall). But after outlanding you have the challenge of de-rigging the Nimbus. For many pilots, that can lead to "Sure, it's a nice day: probably 300+ km. But just a little uncertain. Best not to fly away from home and risk the chance of outlanding."


As John points out, a large, heavy 50:1 glider that is difficult to retrieve can lead to less
flying, or flying in an area similar to a small, light 30:1 glider that is easy to retrieve.

If you can keep the glider assembled all the time so you can void the lengthy chore of rigging,
if you have a good trailer, and if you have many club members ready and willing to retrieve
you, the Nimbus 2 might be a good choice.

--
Eric Greenwell