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Schweizer 1-36
In researching the available 'Net-data on the SGS 1-36, I've noticed that of
the 44 serial numbers in this model's production run, there is FAA, NTSB, or Canadian registration database info on all except #13. Interestingly (perhaps), current FAA registration info for all Schweizer gliders indicates there are ten serial number #12's, and eight #14's, but only two #13'S (a 2-8 & a 2-22) still registered in the US. At some point Schweizer must have decided that putting out a #13 was a bad public relations choice, much as many buildings do not have a thirteenth floor. The #1 SGS 1-36 has been a NASA/Dryden Research Center experimental platform for virtually its entire life, and the last in the run, #44, is still registered to Schweizer Aircraft. Another tidbit of interest with regard to the SGS 1-36 is that of the 41 aircraft supposedly in the hands of recreational glider pilots, thirteen have been the subject of NTSB accident reports, including three fatals. One of these fatal accidents may have occurred prior to the aircraft being delivered to a customer [a test-flight accident?], i.e., #42, N3622E, on 08/25/1984, at Elmira, NY. Eight aircraft have been in some manner destroyed, though only seven of these appear linked in the NTSB or FAA records to an aviation accident. Possibly the eighth was in ground transportation or some other non-operational loss. I expected a much lower than nearly one-in-five hull loss ratio on a medium performance sailplane design, even if it is 25 years old -- but I have not yet looked at the numbers for other types. Does anyone out there have some personal knowledge to share WRT to the "Sprite"? Jack |
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Having flown a 1-36, I'm not surprised so many have been wrecked. Some
of the wrecks may have been intentional. |
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#4
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I took a couple flights in one at Calistoga (80s). The only glider I
ever flew that was just plain unpleasant and frustrating to fly. Heck, a 2-22 is more fun. Anyone have an opinion on the best flying Schweizer product? 1-34 is my vote. Wallace Berry wrote: Some of the wrecks may have been intentional. LOL! I've flow two 1-36's. The first was nearly brand new, on leaseback at the old Bermuda High Soaring (Fred McFawn/Wayne Hatcher era). Worst handling glider I have ever flown. The second was just as bad. |
#5
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I owned N620Y with other partners for a few years in the late 80s. It had
been rebuilt from a wreck in New York. Performance was similar to the 1-34, LP-49 and Blanik L-33 types.Handling was decent and the dive brakes were excellent. Assembly was essentially the same as a 1-34 except for the tail. Interestingly - I saw the prototype at Elmira in the late 70s and it had a conventional tail. Somebody at Schweizer said that they had to put a T tail on it for marketing reasons. All in all it wasn't a bad glider - It would have made a good replacement for the 1-26 but it came on the market too late and was too expensive. Roy |
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