On Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 9:54:27 PM UTC-7, ken smith wrote:
On Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 8:58:36 PM UTC-7, wrote:
Not to start the usual argument, but why? There are many great first generation fiberglass gliders available for the same price, much better condition, and much better performance. Everywhere you fly in Norcal your first thermal is a perilous glide away from the airport in a 1-26. I love the old 1-26, but around here I can't see it practical if you want to stay up.
John Cochrane.
Understand your point.. I will be moving to either southern CA or Nevada if that makes a diff.
Just looking for a no worries minimal set up ship. Also, just fly for fun and don't need to
accomplish anything. I don't see any glass ships, that don't have a non hinging canopy,
in the $10-12K range.

Ken;
I've flown 1-26's since 1996 with over 3000 hours in them. When out on soaring trips I'm often the first to launch because a 1-26 can work small weak thermals. I flew all the badges in 3 months in 1997. Flown dozens on 500k flights and some over 400 miles. There are many long flights in 1-26's by many other pilots. The 1-26 has a low stall speed and with a 40-foot wing span, it can be landed in places that other gliders can't.
I have friends that have modern high-performance ships and a 1-26 also because it's fun to fly.
I'm currently flying a 15-meter touring motor glider. I'm not comfortable flying it as close to the mountains as I would the 1-26. I'm certain that I could climb better in the smaller and broken thermals in the 1-26.
If you are in S. Ca. Inyokern is a great place for x-c. There are several places in Nevada that have great soaring.
That being said soaring is about having safe fun. Having a glider with the performance of those you fly with will give you a chance to team fly and learn.
Doug Levy