I ordered one for Freedom's Wings Canada (www.freedomswings.ca), modified
with a rudder stick and lockable spoilers for use by paraplegic pilots. The
Barrys are actually modifying the type certificate to incorporate these
changes, and while waiting for the FAA's approval, they modified a Polish
built Krosno, and delivered it to Toronto. There was no rent on the
aircraft. They are great people. And the glider was terrific. It became
amazingly popular at our club, and was the members' first choice for giving
their own friends rides.

We are eagerly awaiting delivery of our own Peregrine (the Krosno with a
number of improvements, e.g. canopy, brakes) this spring. A great trainer
with incomparable visibility, metal to tie out, and an oleo suspension will
now have readily available parts in US spec materials. Bravo Tim & Patti
and all the Barry family (and it is a family company)!


"Vaughn" wrote in message
...

"Stewart Kissel" wrote in
message ...
As mentioned in the two place thread...on paper this
aircraft appears to have a lot going for it. So why
not more around? Production issues? It has been certificated
when PZL built it, has it not?

The Poles are great engineers, and great craftsmen, but seem to have
little business background. Resultantly, the Krosno failed on a business
level. Things finally got so bad that the Barrys were making trips to the
factory in Poland to personally arrange for parts to keep their own fleet
going. When it was obvious that things were getting even worse, they
simply (it was not simple) bought the project and brought it to the USA.
According to the FAA this is the first time a certified aircraft
production facility has been moved from Europe to the US, so they have
been feeling their way through the paperwork jungle. I have visited the
Barry's factory, and the production fixtures are something to behold.

I have flown the Krosno at all levels of ability, Student, Private,
Commercial and CFIG, and find it to be an altogether safe and honest
machine. It is a great commercial rides, instruction, and rental glider.
It is made to be tied out on the end of the flight line and used 7 day a
week (as the say in the horse world "be ridden hard and put away wet").
It is not a glider that comes apart and slips into a trailer in ten
minutes, so that will limit its use as a personal glider.

Vaughn