It was an explanation, not an excuse. Other than that minor issue, the Blanik L13 is a terrific
club glider, suitable for training (including spins) and cross-country. It can be safely tied
down outdoors, and the rear seat is adequately comfortable and has good visibility out it.


Dan Marotta wrote on 10/17/2020 11:07 AM:
It's just not acceptable to design a glider which can not be landed at minimum speed or to
train pilots incompletely or improperly. Don't make excuses for less than the best when it
comes to training.

On 10/17/2020 10:33 AM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
The problem was likely the Blanik tailwheel, which can be damaged easily in a two-point or
tail first landing. How to train pilots for two-point or tail first landings when you only
have a Blanik? I never figured out how to do it in our club with our L13, so tried to
compensate with ground training while they were learning, and more advice when they got their
own glider.

Dan Marotta wrote on 10/17/2020 8:57 AM:
Being taught to land with "no flare" did you a disservice as it requires landing at a higher
speed and, as we all know, energy is directly proportional to the square of the speed.* That
means longer landing rolls.* Not necessarily bad if you have lots of space but, when that
outlanding is at a short field and you don't land at the minimum speed, you might hit
something at the far end.

On 10/16/2020 5:37 AM, rec.aviation.soaring wrote:
On Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:55:54 AM UTC-4, ken smith wrote:
Thanks for all the useful feedback. I have heard that the L33 has a weak tail boom and is
prone to damage
and the Std Cirrus wants to spin. Would appreciate more info on these if you have
experience with them.
Hi Ken,

I owned an L33 for several years when I was a new pilot and I now have many flights in a
Standard Cirrus. I left the L33 tied out in South Florida protected by wing and canopy
covers and the horizontal stabilizer removed. Like the Standard Cirrus the L33 was not as
easy to assemble as some other ships. I did not find any bad handling characteristics in
the L33 and did not baby it. I was taught to always land gliders level on the main wheel
with no "flare." Having trained in Blanik L23's I found the L33 comfortable, durable and
fun to fly. I like the Standard Cirrus that I occasionally fly as well and it is a
significantly better performer but I do seem to recall that it drops a wing sharply in a
stall.* The only reason I would consider a 1-26 (have only one flight) is if I was planning
to leave it assembled for local flights but an L33 is a better glider for that.

Stuart