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#1
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szd 55-1
Hello,
I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks |
#2
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szd 55-1
Hi,
I can give you a very biased opinion as I have owned one for the last thirteen years. They are a joy to fly and sometimes, more importantly, a joy to rig too! I also had heard that the wing drops on take off as the ailerons aren't effective until you get some airspeed over the wings. This has never been an issue and I have never had to abort a take off because of it. If the wing does drop I find that a bootful of opposite rudder will put you back on track in no time and by this time you will have full aileron authority again. This 'sometimes' happens in a no headwind situation but not very often. It might also be mitigated if you have a nose hook which mine does not. Aerotowing with a CG hook has also never been a problem. As long as you are comfortable with the Grob and keeping a constant approach speed in a glass ship, I think it would make an ideal choice for someone with your experience. I find it handles nicely with no vices as far as I can see. Mine is a 1992 model and this winter I took the rudder off to 'polish out' some crazing in the paint but other than that I have no reason to think that it is in need of a refinish any time soon. Do a search on this newsgroup and you will find that there has been a few comments concerning this glider and you find that it is mainly positive. Regards, Bob 7U On Mar 19, 11:45*am, Gsoar wrote: Hello, I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. *What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. *Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? *It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." *While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, *is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? *My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. * I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. * I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! *Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks |
#3
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szd 55-1
Also biased as an owner for 6 years.....
I agree on the wing drop, and rudder corrects it in time. I have both hooks. Have never aborted due to wing drop. It is the only thing I wish I could change. I have the air dams at the inboard end of each aileron, always been there, they do not seem to help. I find it has no other bad habits. It just seems to do everything expected of it with no surprises. But I fly a lot and lower time pilots may have different habits. I have to remember to practice a stall from time to time. Mine has the stall warning on the ASI. Be sure what you buy has the equipment required by the Type Certificate for your country. Some (USA??) lack the ASI warning. I disagree with 'really demands your concentration at all times'.... I cannot imagine what that person means, unless one day he did something real stupid and now wants to blame the ship. That said, I am not sure you EVER want to drop 100% concentration in the air. But, since he said it to warn or scare you, I would just say I feel no need for any change in concentration versus a 2-33, 1-26 or a Puchacz.... remain aware at all times in all aircraft. It is roomy enough. (5'10", 200 lbs.) and lots of leg room. They used both a factory made canopy and Mecaplex, the factory canopy has a slight flat spot you will notice only if you see each side by side. So ask. It is a joy to (self) rig, and no one objects to helping after they realize how light the wings are. It has plenty of airbrake and slips nicely. It likes some water on every flight. or lots, depending on conditions. Some say it is too light, but that is a great attribute if you live where conditions are not always strong, you may float back home more readily. If you never get light conditions you might not like putting on the water. Structurally it is a but light/weaker in the tail boom and around the wheel than some ships I am told, so a very bad landing may cause grief where some stronger ships might take the abuse. It has the prettiest wing plan form in the air I think. A factory attempt at tips showed very little or no improvement. A friend tried them. I flew against it and saw nothing worth all the work... and they spoiled the nice shape! I am seeing gel coat cracking on both wings. 1995. 2000+ hours. Yes, the quality of nuts and bolts leaves a bit to be desired since they can discolor at times. Don't squeeze hard on the rudder surfaces, you may leave dimples. I find some who have owned one, or were a dealer, have had some small negative things to say, but to balance that I know no one who owns one saying "I'd like to sell this thing". I know one pilot just bought one here, another is looking.... they have a following, resell quickly when priced properly and of course are being built new. Lots of OLC logs to review, up to 1,010 KM this year. Hope this helps. Bob |
#4
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szd 55-1
I owned one for 2 years and put many flights on it. There was another
at our club as well and I believe the owners would have similar comments. Roomy, well behaved, climbs well, great factory support, not top of the line competitive, but the gap may have closed a bit now that standard class can go above 9#. As far was wing drop: Out of all my flights, maybe 3 drops only on take off going through tow plane's propwash. I always flew on the CG hook and the wing came immediately back up in about 1 second. The wing drop is so infrequent that it is not a big deal. Also, never had the wing drop on landing. Great dump valves as they are large and don't leak as SH gliders. Good glider for the money and your friends will stay friends as the wings are light and easy to rig. Gsoar wrote: Hello, I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks |
#5
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szd 55-1
Wing dropping has not been a problem for me when flying dry. Ocassionally
happened to me when carrying water. As others have said, use the rudder to correct for it. I also found that trimming a bit forward (or just pushing a little) for the takeoff helps alot, in that getting the tail up faster allows the rudder to correct any drop. (Untill the tail wheel is off the ground the rudder doesn't help.) With this technique the wing drop became a non-issue for me. Overall, flys great. Will climb as well as just about any modern glass ship. Looking out and back at the nice swept tips over the scenery makes a pretty picture. I have not found the stall to be anything unusual.. My only glass time before the SZD was a fair amount of Grob103 time, a few ASK21 flights, and one G102 flight. I have found it a joy to fly and had no stress or troubles moving into it. Landings are easy. "Gsoar" wrote in message ... Hello, I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks |
#6
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szd 55-1
On Mar 19, 8:45*am, Gsoar wrote:
Hello, I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. *What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. *Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? *It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." *While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, *is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? *My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. * I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. * I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! *Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks Most of opinions like that would come from pilots who have not idea about the glider. The 55 will fly with all of the best "standard class" gliders and would actualy come ahead of them if flown by a good, competition oriented pilot. Everythying else is just a horse% $#@!!!!!! Jacek Pasco, WA |
#7
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szd 55-1
On Mar 19, 3:45*pm, Gsoar wrote:
Hello, I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. *What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. *Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? *It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." *While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, *is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? *My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. * I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. * I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! *Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks Have you talked to your CFI, or someone who knows your flying well? Also, how good a pilot is the gentleman you talked to? That's not quite the same as how many hours he has. Whatever you get, be prepared for getting to grips with it when you start flying it. I found that changing to my own glider from the club ones found the weakest parts of my flying... |
#8
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szd 55-1
On Mar 24, 4:24*am, Cats wrote:
On Mar 19, 3:45*pm, Gsoar wrote: Hello, I would like to get opinions regarding the szd 55-1. *What I have heard so far is that it tends to drop a wing when there is a bit of a crosswind on take off but, is this more common with this glider than other high performance standard class gliders? The gentleman I spoke with had 4 aborted take offs in 50 flights and he has 6X the amount of time as I do. *Is this something that should be avoided in a 150h pilot going from Grobs? *It has also been commented to me that it is "a high performance glider that really demands your concentration at all times." *While I try to pay attention most of the time, sometimes I like to take in the view, *is this glider too hot to handle especially on landing for a run of the mill pilot? *My goal is fun, non contest (other than OLC), cross country. While I like vegetables, I have no interest in picking them. * I also would like to buy something that I won't have to worry about refinishing in the near future and is not something that will require too much in the maintenance area. * I don't want to be too anxious while I participate in my recreation! *Oh, the LS4 I responded to on W&W was sold in 15 minutes. Thanks Have you talked to your CFI, or someone who knows your flying well? Also, how good a pilot is the gentleman you talked to? *That's not quite the same as how many hours he has. Whatever you get, be prepared for getting to grips with it when you start flying it. *I found that changing to my own glider from the club ones found the weakest parts of my flying...- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I'm certain that it's actually the GLIDER that gets better. My Speed Astir was an ill handling pile of parts when I bought it. It has improved greatly over the past 400 hours. ;-) |
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