Pilot weight and gliding

Hello,

I'm just now learning about Gliding and will start instruction soon.
Question: I'm 6ft tall and weigh 232 lbs. Have I weighed myself out of
many sailplane options? I DO plan on losing some more weight, but just
in case I don't, would appreciate some knowledge on this The
instructor said I'm ok for the trainer I'll be flying in.

Thanks in advance

john

John,
The 2-33 for example has a max weight limit of 1040. Approximately 640lb of
that is Iron so that leaves you 400lbs to split between the two of you. You
have to see the WB for the actual ship you will be flying, ships that have had
work and paint jobs add up weight.

It really boils down to specific weight and balance figures for each sailplane.
If you plan on taking lessons in a 2-33, and you say you are 232lbs
clothed..extra radios, gps,water bottle.....your instructor can weigh no more
than an honest 168lbs.

All that being said, I've seen more than one pair go up that combined couldn't
possibly weigh 400lbs or less!

Some gliders will be a better fit than others.. you'll have to find out whats
comfortable for you.

Good luck!

Douglas

JohnH wrote in message . net...
Hello,

I'm just now learning about Gliding and will start instruction soon.
Question: I'm 6ft tall and weigh 232 lbs. Have I weighed myself out of
many sailplane options? I DO plan on losing some more weight, but just
in case I don't, would appreciate some knowledge on this The
instructor said I'm ok for the trainer I'll be flying in.

Thanks in advance

john


If you want to move into high performance single seaters, your
options will be somewhat restricted, but you'll manage to find
something. Its typical for Euro gliders to come out of the factory
with a max cockpit load of 242 lbs (110 kg.), but that often gets
reduced when extra equipment is installed.


On the other hand, if you are content to fly Schweizer junk your whole
life, you've got nothing to worry about.

"Liam Finley" wrote...
On the other hand, if you are content to fly Schweizer junk your whole
life, you've got nothing to worry about.

Gee, what a fine way to encourage a newcomer to become involved in this sport.
At least he'll find out what he's up against early on...

Marc

Marc Ramsey wrote:
"Liam Finley" wrote...

On the other hand, if you are content to fly Schweizer junk your whole
life, you've got nothing to worry about.


Gee, what a fine way to encourage a newcomer to become involved in this sport.
At least he'll find out what he's up against early on...

Marc




No, I sure don't want to fly Schweizer junk my whole life. But, I'm not
looking to do aerobatics either....and least not on purpose, at this time

Thanks for the replies. Marc, I grew up in newsgroups and really
expected some pretty rude comments, but haven't received any yet. I
have also received some encouraging and enlightening emails. I
apparently am not the only one on this board that has been fighting the
pilot weight problem ;

john

"Liam Finley" wrote...

On the other hand, if you are content to fly
Schweizer junk your whole life, you've got
nothing to worry about.

Unless that was said "tongue-in-cheek", that's just plain ignorant. You don't
have to like it, but Schweizer has its place. Not everyone who loves to go
places and drive has to do so in a Ferrari to enjoy the trip!

--Shirley

Shirley wrote:
"Liam Finley" wrote...


On the other hand, if you are content to fly
Schweizer junk your whole life, you've got
nothing to worry about.


Unless that was said "tongue-in-cheek", that's just plain ignorant. You don't
have to like it, but Schweizer has its place. Not everyone who loves to go
places and drive has to do so in a Ferrari to enjoy the trip!

--Shirley


Well put, Shirley!

john

unicate (Shirley) wrote in message ...
"Liam Finley" wrote...

On the other hand, if you are content to fly
Schweizer junk your whole life, you've got
nothing to worry about.

Unless that was said "tongue-in-cheek", that's just plain ignorant. You don't
have to like it, but Schweizer has its place. Not everyone who loves to go
places and drive has to do so in a Ferrari to enjoy the trip!

--Shirley

Not ignorance. I've more time in Schweizers than most US pilots have
in the air total. Yes, they have their place, it's called an aluminum
recycling plant.

JohnH wrote:
have also received some encouraging and enlightening emails. I
apparently am not the only one on this board that has been fighting the
pilot weight problem ;

I weigh 220 and I should probably weigh about 170. I fly powered planes
and I've just started soaring. I don't really know about soaring, since
I just started and my instructor is a beanpole, but in powered planes, my
biggest problem has been how many passengers I can take. Right now I can
get 2 adults and 1 kid, but if I lose the 50 lbs., I can take 3 adults
(assuming that one of them is a woman, probably). Also, when I fly solo,
it means that I could take an extra 9 gallons (1 hour) of fuel on board.

In any case, don't let it bother you -- flying and soaring both kick ass!
Even if you have to fly in big clunky junk, it's still better than not
flying at all.

- awh

In any case, don't let it bother you -- flying and soaring both kick ass!
Even if you have to fly in big clunky junk, it's still better than not
flying at all.

Well said. I've never left the field after soaring without having a smile on
my face.
So far I've only flown in a 2-33, Blanik and 1-26.

Douglas