First Glider

Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your insights and advise. There
is a local pilot that has an LS4, a little bit of crazing
of the fiberglass. He hasn't flown in about 10 years.
I am also looking at a brand new 15 meter SZD51-1 Junior.
I know they are not quite in the same class but I
am a little nervous about the high performance of the
LS4. I plan to spend the next two weeks in a Lark to
transition to a glass ship(remember I don't have my
licence yet but am very keen and careful). My approaches
are good and PDM has been refined over the last 15
year. I do not want to get discouraged by a ship over
my level of ability. I still plan to spend lots of
time dual to refine my skills. Any advise is greatly
appreciated.

Jeff

Good choice, until someone can show that it produces
damage to the underlying structure...a little crazing
will not significantly effect the performance of the
glider.



At 01:48 09 September 2004, Jeff Runciman wrote:
Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your insights and advise. There
is a local pilot that has an LS4, a little bit of crazing
of the fiberglass. He hasn't flown in about 10 years.
I am also looking at a brand new 15 meter SZD51-1 Junior.
I know they are not quite in the same class but I
am a little nervous about the high performance of the
LS4. I plan to spend the next two weeks in a Lark to
transition to a glass ship(remember I don't have my
licence yet but am very keen and careful). My approaches
are good and PDM has been refined over the last 15
year. I do not want to get discouraged by a ship over
my level of ability. I still plan to spend lots of
time dual to refine my skills. Any advise is greatly
appreciated.

Jeff

Jeff Runciman wrote:
Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your insights and advise. There
is a local pilot that has an LS4, a little bit of crazing
of the fiberglass. He hasn't flown in about 10 years.
I am also looking at a brand new 15 meter SZD51-1 Junior.
I know they are not quite in the same class but I
am a little nervous about the high performance of the
LS4.

"High Performance" isn't the thing to worry about: it's things like the
landing speed and attitude, stall and spin characteristics, and general
handling. These things aren't the same among the "high performance"
gliders, except most of them land faster than the usual trainers.

The standard class gliders tend to be "fast" with the nose high, and the
stall/spin characteristics vary a lot with the older ships. Even so,
something like an LS4 and the newer gliders are easy to fly, despite the
near 40:l performance.

All that said, you'll do more flying, and more cross-country flying, in
a glider you feel confident flying, regardless of it's performance.

I plan to spend the next two weeks in a Lark to
transition to a glass ship(remember I don't have my
licence yet but am very keen and careful). My approaches
are good and PDM has been refined over the last 15
year. I do not want to get discouraged by a ship over
my level of ability. I still plan to spend lots of
time dual to refine my skills. Any advise is greatly
appreciated.

It sounds like you are approaching it thoughtfully. THere's no rush -
fly the club ships or rentals for a while, and look around, keep asking
questions.


--
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA

Don't be nervous about an LS-4 its one of the nicest ships ever. Well
engineered and extremely well coordinated, you think it round the sky rather
than drive it.

Don't push it backwards and apply the brake, replace the U/C gas strut
regularly or do the mod that replaces it with a solid link. Make sure the
one you have either has automatic hookups ( later B models ? ) or has
Wedekind safeties over the L'hotelliers in the centre section.

Ian

Do not be afraid of a LS4 it is a gem of an aircraft,
as everyone says it is very docile and yet when "YOU"
learn to drive it hard they "lift their skirts" and boogie.
The LS4 is used in many parts of the world as first single
seater ,half dozen solo flights in a two seater then straight
into a LS4. You will grow into the aircraft and will not
need to change for quite a long time
gary
"Jeff Runciman" wrote in message
...
Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your insights and advise. There
is a local pilot that has an LS4, a little bit of crazing
of the fiberglass. He hasn't flown in about 10 years.
I am also looking at a brand new 15 meter SZD51-1 Junior.
I know they are not quite in the same class but I
am a little nervous about the high performance of the
LS4. I plan to spend the next two weeks in a Lark to
transition to a glass ship(remember I don't have my
licence yet but am very keen and careful). My approaches
are good and PDM has been refined over the last 15
year. I do not want to get discouraged by a ship over
my level of ability. I still plan to spend lots of
time dual to refine my skills. Any advise is greatly
appreciated.

Jeff