On 13 Jun 2005 11:58:06 GMT, John Brenann
wrote:

We are considering the purchase of a DG 505 as our
top end cross country and aerobatic training glider.
Our budget and delivery requirements, preclude consideration
of either a DG 1000 or a Duo Discus at this time.
Any feedback concerning glider handling on the ground
and in the air would be appreciated. How well does
the 505 handle weak weather conditions? How effective
are the dive brakes, wheel brake etc? ( Off field landing
capabilities.)
Our Club fleet composition right now: 3 Blaniks, Puchacz,
Twin Astir, Hornet, Junior, LS 4, Jantar and Std. Astir.
Will the DG 505 require any unusual transition training?
Thanks in advance. JB

My club has the first DG-505 orion (20 meters, winglets, fixed
airfoil).

Well.. good news first:
The 505 is very easy to fly (even for student pilots), airbrakes and
wheel brakes are very strong. Off-field landings for inexperienced
pilots in my opinion a lot easier than in a Duo because with full
flaps the 505 doesn't tend to flare if you are 5 kts too fast.
Climbs extremely well in weak conditions. Ground handling is as good
(or bad) as any other double seater. Cockpit noise is very low.
Forward seat very comfortable.

Bad things:
Control forces of ailerons and rudder are significant (but tolerable).
Rudder similar to Twin Astir, aileron forces higher. Elevator trim
leads to relatively high elevator forces, too.
Comfort in the rear seat is a question of taste - I hate it.
Performance is *significantly* inferior to Duo or DG-1000 - comparable
to a DG-300 or LS-4. Airfoil is *extremely* sensitive to rain or bugs.

My conclusion:
If you can afford it, get a Duo or DG-1000. They offer definitely more
performance. If you can't, the 505 is not a bad glider at all.

Well...
As long as you don't have to assemble it daily - assembly the 505 is
hard work because of heavy wings (although they fit together well).



Bye
Andreas