The November and December issues of the Bugle are now available. They include:
- An update on glider operations at Hollister
- PASCO Seminar Report
- A call for comments on fleet upgrade plans
Enjoy.
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December 22nd, 2005 at 1:23 am
Here’s my 2 cents on the fleet upgrade issue. While I am clear about my opinions, my primary intent is to get members thinking about this and offering their opinions. Mind you that my perspective is that of an older (over 50), larger (6′1″, 205#) pilot.l
1. I think we should be looking at gliders that are a good investment for the next 10 - 15 years.
2. Single seaters: I say let the Pegasi trot off into the sunset. We have lost about 50% availability on these Albatrosses in the last year and I don’t see things getting better. Factory support hardly exists! Although they fly nicely they aren’t very comfortable for the larger pilots.
I think we need single seaters that were A. manufactured 1995 or later or B. have been completely factory refurbished in the last ten years, low time with NDH since refurbish.
A. DG-303, HPH 304. I like the DG because of the large comfortable cockpit that also keeps the toes warm. Wolf tried out Darryl’s and fit (snugly). I haven’t flown the 304 or tried the cockpit out. We are looking at $50-$60K per, used. These come with fully automatic control hookups, easy to load Cobra’s, good factory support and quality finishes (very good long term investment).
We couldn’t afford more than 2 of these to replace the 3 Pegasi and we would still be increasing our debt by $40-$50K. Likely to get high, efficient usage.
B. Standard Jantar. I’ve heard good reports about these though I haven’t flown one. I think I tried out the cockpit of Jonathan’s and it was large enough, but I don’t know if Wolf would fit. I don’t know if they are auto hookup and usually the trailers are not clamshell. The performance is a hair less than the Pegasus. Over the years SZD support has usually been good. The real attractiveness is the price, as they can be had for $25-$30K (refurbished). Three of these replace 3 Pegasi with a $20K-$30K increase in debt. Average investment.
LS-4?? A very nice flying glider, but (like the DG-300) a little pricey for its age and on the smaller side (compared to 303) cockpit wise.
1-34?? A good glider for new members. I don’t think it would be a good match for the club if we replace the Grob with a $100K plus two seater.
3. Replacing the Grob…IF we keep the 1-34 I like …
A. the 2-32, NEWLY refurbished. Yes, I’m serious! Although I don’t like it as a trainer it meets the needs of all the big and/or tall members, is excellent for giving rides to friends and is a good match for the 1-34. It can be used as a cross country trainer (with the 1-34 tagging along) if the DG-1000 is not available. Very nicely refurbished at $50-$60K.
Debt increase of $20-$30K. Average investment.
B. Grob Twin III, ASK-21, DG-500. These can be found in the $70-$80K range (in excellent condition).
The Twin III were manufactured into the early 90’s, have a Discus style wing with better than ASK roll and the large Grob cockpit. The useful load is close to the 1000’s if NDH. Grob factory support in the U.S.
The ASK-21 has very good handling and versatility. Its load is up to the 1000’s though the cockpit is only long enough for pilot’s 6′4″ or less. Performance is on the low side for the cost at 33:1. Nearly everyone who has flown these likes them.
The DG-500 is the 505’s older sister. It has the best performance of the three by a small margin over the Twin III. The cockpit is similar to the 1000’s.
The biggest problem with these three is availability on the used market. The Twin III appears once or twice a year in the U S, usually in the self launch version at about $80-$90K. The engine could be removed and sold at a $5-10K savings. There is one (pure glider)currently available in the UK asking $75K USD.
Jim Indrebo’s 21 is available (in average condition).
500’s appear occasionally in Europe, rarely in the US.
Debt increase is $35-45K. These are good investments.
C. If we sell the 1-34 and Grob…..Buy a new 2 seater - lot’s of positives - one negative $$$$$!
DG-505 probably $110K if equipped like 1000.
DG-1000 - additional 20K in version comparable to the 505
New Duo Discus - (as compared to the 1000) better handling, quieter, less comfortable, improved safety features but not quite up to the 1000’s standards, similar price.
1000 and Duo excellent investments, 505 good. Debt increase $55-$75K and one less seat.
Regards,
Charlie
December 22nd, 2005 at 1:32 am
re: debt increase estimate for Duo or DG should be $60-$80K
480
January 10th, 2006 at 11:08 pm
the Twin III that was in wings and wheels for $75k in the UK lasted a week before it was sold, an indication of highly prized they are.