"puffnfresh" wrote in message
...
| Given the lesser density of air on Mars what would be the
glide ratio of
| a PW-5 starting at an altitude of say 5000 feet? (lesser
gravity, too)
| Is it worth book a trip in next few years?

My first impression is that since both Lift and Drag include
density in the same way:
Lift = Cl x 1/2 x rho x v x v
Drag = Cd x 1/2 x rho x v x v
The ratio is independent of density.
However, you would have to fly very fast (large v) to
generate even 1/3 of the weight on earth, and the poor
glider would probably flutter to bits.
You would then need a *huge* parachute to get you down in
one piece.
I think you could put your money to better us !!
John G.