Tag Archive for sailplanes

Flying the FES-equipped Silent 2 Electro

A while back, I had read that a nearly 700 lb (315 Kg) sailplane equipped with an all-electric FES (Front Electric Self-launching) system had demonstrated serious climb rates (around 400 fpm, or 2 m/s) as well as multiple launches on a single charge; and I remember thinking at the time: “This is the future: All the advantages of self-launching and self-retrieving without any of the drawbacks of retractable pylon-mounted propellers or IC (Internal Combustion) engines.”

Having Fun in the DuckHawk 15m Sailplane

In early September, I had a fantastic day of flying at Blairstown Airport, the culmination of which was having the opportunity to fly Windward Performance’s new DuckHawk. I had just flown the club Grob Twin Astir with my brother, promptly falling out and not exactly having one of my best landings in it.

Six-Seat Sailplane Concept Seeks Crowd-Funding

Richard Glassock, an Australian glider pilot and designer, has just announced a crowd-funding project for his ground-breaking and breath-taking six-seat sailplane design. Contributions will be accepted beginning March 27, 2013 (21 hours from now as I write). He has engaged Pozible as a vehicle for crowd-funding and has set a goal of A$5,000,000 in 90 days.

Day 1 Report

The Women Soaring Pilots Association’s annual seminar got off to a great start Monday at the Chilhowee Gliderport in Benton, Tennessee.  Twenty-eight pilots and several non-flying supporters have gathered for five days of flying and friendship.  Monday dawned hot and sunny, and cu’s were popping by lunchtime.  Morning flights were short, but provided good training…