GP Gliders

Is there any update on GP Gliders USA? Last news is Tim McAllister decided to close GP Gliders North America.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 4:25:54 PM UTC-8, wrote:
Is there any update on GP Gliders USA? Last news is Tim McAllister decided to close GP Gliders North America.

That's unfortunate.
Would have been nice to hear this directly from Tim instead of what seems to be rumo(u)rs.com, especially from some unknown person who doesn't sign a name.
The announcement alluded to is here.
https://www.gpglidersusa.com/
Jim

subscribers to Tim's GP email list got an announcement from him.

At 03:17 03 January 2018, JS wrote:
On Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 4:25:54 PM UTC-8,
wrote:
Is there any update on GP Gliders USA? Last news is Tim McAllister
decided to close GP Gliders North America.

That's unfortunate.
Would have been nice to hear this directly from Tim instead of what
seems
to be rumo(u)rs.com, especially from some unknown person who
doesn't sign a
name.
The announcement alluded to is here.
https://www.gpglidersusa.com/
Jim


Hardly surprising when FAI are constantly moving goal posts with the
class that the manufacturer are aiming at. The GP14 would not have
been legal in 13.5m class, except if flown by a lightweight jockey if FAI
kept the proposed 35kg/m wingloading limit and self launch capability. .
Perhaps why the FAI move to 15m - give the GP15 Jetta a chance at
some sales? Just another 'rich boys' class now though and debatable
wether it is 'gliding/soaring'.

Been a mess for years. I remember the mess when they changed the standard class years ago. But once they standardized things into the old standard class, 15 meter, and open, It would have been just fine in absorbing all of the 18 and longer winged ships, as well as keep an aiming point for manufacturers. I know for a period of about 25 years, the manufacturers had a good run of "stabilized class rules" in order to develop and produced new ships.

I really thought 13.5 would catch on for race folks with limited budgets, but it looks like it has morphed into another "whoever has the most money" wins class.

On Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 12:07:49 PM UTC-7, wrote:
Been a mess for years. I remember the mess when they changed the standard class years ago. But once they standardized things into the old standard class, 15 meter, and open, It would have been just fine in absorbing all of the 18 and longer winged ships, as well as keep an aiming point for manufacturers. I know for a period of about 25 years, the manufacturers had a good run of "stabilized class rules" in order to develop and produced new ships.

I really thought 13.5 would catch on for race folks with limited budgets, but it looks like it has morphed into another "whoever has the most money" wins class.

Money has always been a limiting factor in the growth of soaring, and as cost keeps edging more and more towards exotic high price gliders soaring will continue to loose more future participants than it will gain.

One bright spot is that we have the Club Class that is still somewhat fair, although some think that ASW27's and similar should be included for handicapped racing.

Mike

Yes I hear you Mike. As for the club class, I like the concept but the handicapping definitely needs some tweeking. For example, I know some tremendous contest experienced libelle drivers, but the way the handicap works, the more modern ships always score higher. That tells me something is amiss.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 7:25:54 PM UTC-5, wrote:
Is there any update on GP Gliders USA? Last news is Tim McAllister decided to close GP Gliders North America.

I think GP was also coming out with a 15 meter ship, the GP 15 JETA. I was wondering if they would be represented at the SSA convention this year. The mast mounted electric folding prop arrangement looks very interesting and might reduce some of the problems seen with water cooled engines and long drive belts.
Dave

On Friday, January 5, 2018 at 3:57:55 PM UTC-6, wrote:
..... I was wondering if they would be represented at the SSA convention this year. .....
Dave

I asked - (per Jerry)

We're not really in a hurry to appoint new US representative, we need to get this decision right, it has long term implications.

Unfortunately, this situation has a major impact on our US activities for the time being, therefore I doubt we'll be able to show up at SSA convention, which is very close now.

Best regards,

Jerzy Peszke


Stephen S9

On Friday, January 5, 2018 at 3:57:55 PM UTC-6, wrote:
On Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 7:25:54 PM UTC-5, wrote:
Is there any update on GP Gliders USA? ..... I was wondering if they would be represented at the SSA convention this year. .....
Dave

On Friday, January 5, 2018 at 3:57:55 PM UTC-6, wrote:
..... I was wondering if they would be represented at the SSA convention this year. .....
Dave

I asked - (per Jerzy)

We're not really in a hurry to appoint new US representative, we need to get this decision right, it has long term implications.

Unfortunately, this situation has a major impact on our US activities for the time being, therefore I doubt we'll be able to show up at SSA convention, which is very close now.

Best regards,

Jerzy Peszke


Stephen S9