Well I don't have a glider yet, but I am going to start my training VERY soon!!! Last July I took my first "lesson" at Bermuda High Soaring (South Carolina). My wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I said I wanted a glider ride. Years ago I nearly got my power private cert. and I also flew R.C. gliders. Never did get in a full size glider, though the urge has always been there. So she set up the flight. There were several options she could choose from..... 1/2 hour demo in a 2-33 on up to and actual lesson in a Duo Discus with a 5k foot tow..... Well she went for the prime rib. It was still supposed to be an 1/2 hour lesson with the possibility of a longer flight if the lift was good...... We launched at noon just as the cu started popping up. Other than the tow and landing I was at the controls. Let me just say it now, if any of you have the chance to get in a Duo do not hesitate. It is a real joy to fly. I had no problems centering into lift and we just hopped from cloud to cloud. After about 40 minutes the instructor took over and we came back home. Needless to say I was hooked and the look on my face was obvious. My wife said she had never seen me so blissed out. She knew I was hooked too.
All that to say I will be looking for my first glider soon. The club I will be joining has only one plane for training and rental.... A Grob 103. Training done in glass, a good thing. Only one plane in the club a bad thing. So once I solo and get my certificate I don't want the lack of availability of a plane to hold me back. Wouldn't be nice if we all could afford a Discus or an LS4 or a ..... ? So in my research early on I was looking at the 15b. Gotta be a "b"; I am 6'1" and 230lbs with the plan of a continued loss of mass. I was really thinking on a Std Cirrus but have been advised by a source that the 15b would really be a better option. I could see about waiting and saving the ol' pennies, er dollars, and getting a 19 or a Pegasus and the like but I think I would rather fly more often and wait and see if I really need the performance boost with a Discus, LS4, 19, Peg etc. My goals are NOT contest oriented. I just want to poke around thermals and venture into xc as my skills improve. And if they are around, a wave and ridge would be nice too. I will be flying mainly in upper South Carolina where the average thermal ceiling is anywhere from 3k to 7k agl. I know I just missed out on a Bob Curry's N15KS in Ohio..... I knew it wouldn't last long with winglets...
So there is my story. I hope to take a look at a 15b in my area soon, if nothing else, just to sit in it and see if I really can fit in it. Looking forward to all the info on this site and any advice you seasoned owners can give to a perspective 15b owner!
BTW I live in Saluda NC. It is about 35 miles south of Asheville NC.
