The only major drawback with a Kestrel is the speed
control (the airbrakes make a nice noise and that is
about all) needed for landing: getting into a short
field, or even a long one can be a challenge but with
the right training it is not impossible. (The extra
levers etc are not a problem in practice) I think that
I would have to say that the Kestrel is probably safer
for a low hours pilot than a Libelle. The Libelle is
a very fine glider but it can also get very interesting
very quickly, probably quicker than a Kestrel.
My personal choice would be a Discus, very easy to
fly and no real nasties but I have no idea of the price
of one your side of the pond. I would agree with the
choice of an ASW 19 the only problem is the size of
the cockpit. Like my ASW17 a challenge to fit if you
are tall.

As an aside the is a file on www.gliderpilot.net in
File Downloads which describes a modification for Kestrel
airbrakes which does help a little. Do not expect Grob
103/ASK21 airbrake performance from this mod

At 09:18 11 December 2003, Andrew Warbrick wrote:
Are you seriously recommending the Kestrel to a low
hours pilot? Fifteen million knobs and levers, some
of which make life very interesting very quickly, big
glider handling and flaps. Sheesh.

At 04:30 11 December 2003, Btiz wrote:
Libelle or Kestral both under $20K
.... Maybe an LS-4 on the higher cost side.

BT

'Flyhighdave' wrote in message
...
So some of you really don't think to highly of the
Speed Astir. What then
would
be your recommendations for a first glider for a low
time pilot training &
soloing in a G103 II A? I need something under $20,000.
that will keep me
happy
for a while. Thanks for your input!
David