I've given a lot of rides from the back seat of an L-13...

On 10/17/2020 6:27 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
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.Â* That means
longer landing rolls.Â* 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.Â* 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



--
Dan, 5J