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Old August 22nd 19, 07:21 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Andy Blackburn[_3_]
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Default Flaps/No flaps...practical difference??

On Monday, August 12, 2019 at 3:21:23 PM UTC-7, wrote:
For simple long pleasure flights in the western US or for the rare flights in the Alps would I notice any real PRACTICAL difference between a Discus 2c and other flapped 18m ships? I have NO interest in competition. Thanks


I'm not sure if you are in the western US or in the Alps. If it's the western US you will be dealing with high density altitudes (i.e high true airspeed) and "inconsistent" landout environments where energy management might be critical. For this reason I switched from Standard to 15M class when I bought a new glider in 2003 - an ASW-27B. I have no regrets. Even if you don't fly contests you might give thought to what classes might still exist in the future should you ever want to sell - if resale value matters to you.

Also, when conditions are strong your long pleasure flights will be longer (and therefore more pleasurable) if you can suck the flaps up in cruise.

Andy Blackburn
9B