Hi,

An opportunity has come up to potentially join a DG-303 ELAN syndicate and I was wondering if anyone here has thoughts on the aircraft?

I’m aware of the DG tax and the Spar AD resulting in lower speeds which concern me a little, particularly the latter. I’m undecided if it’s best to hold on for a bit longer and buy something newer.

I’m a novice cross country pilot but keen to do more and improve my skills and wondering if this will serve me well. I’ve previously flown a DG-505 and really liked the cockpit quality/seating position

https://youtu.be/uwxgZDr5B-g?si=MEx-aOor_el0YiBo

I’m starting to plan a visit to Japan to see some family next year. Wondering what the gliding scene is like out there and whether I might be able to join for a day. Is anyone here familiar with or has an english-speaking contact? There’s an S&G article in the last few issues which might give me a starting point too.

Hey everyone,

I'm someone considering buying my first ever glider and here and there, I hear someone selling a glider and I always get tempted by it and thus, the reason for this post.

I know gliding is one of the cheaper parts of aviation but I'm early in my career and dont have much saved to be honest. That's why it feels like I should buy a glider in partnership, not just for splitting cost but also experience in fixing troubleshooting and just having someone for reliance.

I've been doing Xcountry and recently completed Silver Distance and 50 miles proving grounds in a club glider (grob 102 astir). I feel like as I fly more and more, I will be limited to what I will be able to do in that.

I'm looking to learn how a partnership would essentially work. Since we have to share the plane, we cannot fly at events together - has to be one person or the other - how would that be decided?

What are some pros/cons? What are your thoughts on having 3 or more partners? What should I look for in a partner? Anything I should avoid? Legal stuff? Any general advice would be appreciated.

I'm in Texas, USA for context.

Got talked in to running a few intro rides for some visitors to our club this afternoon. Normally these are 20 to 30 minutes of bumbling around and the pax is treated with kid gloves to entice them into perhaps trying it again or maybe joining up.

These 4 guys were not having it! A bunch of Alpha males from Liverpool having pitched up in a couple of 'hot' cars the wanted a bit more, not stretching a hich tow into a 25 minute skedge ride so a little aerobatics were arranged. Some negative G pushovers and then 80 degree banked turns leading in to a couple of loops and chandelles for the first 2 blokes with a fast run at 50' above the ridge before turning for home and landing. Punter #3 wanted blagging rights so 3 loops and a coupke more chandelles before a binus run along the ridge with walkers waving. Up the odds with #4 he got 4 loops and the rest.

One of the wives was not content with that and became ride #5. Clearing turns straight off tow, noze down and the twin acro went through 7 consecutive loops, with the squeals of delight getting louder all the time in the front. Some steep turns, chandelles and the a fast beat up across in front of the watching crowd.

Last time I made a lady squeal like that was a long long time ago! :) :) :) .

Some days are diamonds! And it's not always about a 'gentle introduction to gliding'. You have to read the punters. I still managed a lot of patter about how it all works, enough time to take in the magnificent North Wales scenery and the sharp evening sunlight under a dramatic sky.

They went away very happy, lots of photos, lots of chatter. A fun couple of hours, in spite of them being just 20 to 25 min flights it took 4 hours to get them all flown!

I have the opportunity to get my commercial glider add on done locally here in the US in a Pipestrel Sinus Max. The price is right and it’s local to me vs driving a few hours away and paying for lodging. The CFI-G said I could get it done in about 4 days and check on the 5th. Would y’all recommend this route?

Hello, I’m planning on making an attempt at a US state distance record in the open multiplace class. My wife is not a pilot, but I’ve heard anecdotally that she can ride along as a passenger and be considered a crew member (and therefore be added to the record books). Is this true, and what boxes do I need to check to ensure her eligibility? I’m a voting SSA member as per rule 6.3b, do I need to sign her up for a full voting membership also? Will a family membership suffice? Thanks in advance!

Going to start working on my commercial glider in the spring figured I'd get a head start on studying. I'm starting with rereading the glider flying handbook and just picked Bob wonders book.

This was already asked a few years ago, but as EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and this sub have grown since then, I think it is time to ask again: What are your (or your clubmates) experiences trailering gliders with an EV? Mainly, I'm interested in the following questions:

• What is the range penalty towing a glider?
• How compatible is the charging infrastructure with a trailer? Do you usually have to unhook trailer etc.?
• How much time do you loose compared to a ICE-powered car?

Obviously, towing a glider with an EV will come with some drawbacks compared to an ICE-powered car. From the thread linked above, and the little I've heard otherwise, I'd expect these drawbacks to be acceptable, at least for me and my use case (1-2 vacations ~300-600km per trip; and occasional retrievals after outlandings), but would like to hear your experiences.

Gliders are usually ascending or descending, so CFR 91.159 does not apply, but occasionally, say in mountain wave, or under a cloudstreet, we can adjust our speed/sink_rate and maintain an altitude +/- 100 feet or so. In that scenario, do you comply with CFR 91.159? Or is there an exemption?

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR4d5279ba676bedc/section-91.159

I need to study for my written test and want to review ground school with an online course (such as Sporty's or Kings). Looking quickly. I don't see that as an option anywhere - all I'm seeing is PP and LSA courses.

Any advice or feedback?

Hi im looking for a app where I can learn the SPL theory. It should be a bit like the apps for a drivers liscence

I would occasionally like to buy a copy of S&G (in the UK), but I dont necessarily want to subscribe to every one; is this possible?

Hi,

can anyone recomment airfields which operate during winter and you can get on the wave pretty easy? I have limited wave experience, but I have done some cross-country flying in the mountains. I am also familiar with ridge flying. I live in Stuttgart so preferably something in the area. I can speak German (not very well, although I do fly gliders here), but it would be nice if the airfield was foreign-pilots-friendly.

Curious for some more info on this. I have seen videos of gliders with turbojets (I believe in Europe though).

In the US the motorglider rating is just an endorsement after getting a regular gliding license. Is there any requirement past that for a turbine motorglider? I don’t see anything in the motorglider requirements that states they cannot be turbine powered (AC21.17-2A), but wondering if I’m missing something. Quick Google search doesn’t seem to give answers to the right question. Anyone here have any info or related resources?

Every now and then we are on the dreaded far end of the airport and have to walk 30’ trough semi high grass which you can guess is damp.

Currently I bring 2 pair of shoes, one water resistant walking boots that are uncomfortable to fly. The other, old pair of sneakers to wear when the grass is dry.

But I find this cumbersome, so was wondering if you have any tips or recommendations for good shoes? I’m currently looking into sailing shoes but am afraid that the sole is not sturdy enough with the pedals.

Edit: Thanks everyone for the great advice and pointers. It seems clear that light walking shoes are the way to go, so gonna try some out 👌

I was walking around my local ski station the other day and was watching a glider above me soaring the ridge lift created by our common north westerlies.

The pilot was circling from time to time in the ridge lift.

I'm no pilot but I do consider myself an enthusiast, and I always stop to look when someone is soaring.

When the pilot went about (turned) (can you use naval terms in sail planes?) The pilot often did it towards the ridge. Granted the pilot was well clear of immediate terrain.

I thought the Golden rule was to always turn away from the ridge you're soaring. Are there obvious exceptions?

Also, how common is it to circle ridge lift?

Thank you and sorry if my questions come across as naïve.

Hello Gliding Community,

I fly out of a very hot and sunny climate, where temperatures often reach upwards of 110°F. I fly a DG-100, which leaves my legs quite exposed, and I'm looking for recommendations on pants that are both comfortable and cool, yet durable and sun-resistant.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

I'm in early stages of training. Anyone have experience with this outfit in NM?