Robert If you are still considering metal aircraft, the LET factory is still producing Blaniks (LET are now LZ Aeronautical Industries, still at www.let.cz) , and IAR may still be producing IS28s (www.iar.ro).
You might also pick up a cheap IS28 from overseas - I remember a British pilot visiting us after coming to Sydney for the London to Sydney Air Race a few years ago, and telling us he'd only ever seen an IS28 "Lark" at the back of the hangar in a club he once belonged to. He said everyone badmouthed it, but when he flew it, he quite enjoyed it and was left wondering what all the fuss was about. The reality is that if you are after 3 new aircraft, the dollars involved for an upgrade might limit you to relatively cheaper metal aircraft ahead of the latest plastic models. You are very right - the choice of available two-seaters is limited, and of course in a small world market where production runs are small compared with DVD players and other consumer items, the price of gliders is only going one way - UP ! At Southern Cross we are very happy with our DG-1000, but of course that might be more $$$ than you are looking for (still, a great top of the fleet ship). The DG-505, which Bathurst already has, and VMFG has on order, is now being produced under license by AMS in Slovenia (rather than going to DG for final assembly), so its price has dropped a bit, which may make it more appealing. From all reports, Bathurst are very happy with the DG-505. Tom Gilbert is the DG and AMS agent in Australia (see http://www.tjsailplanes.com/) Cheers Jason Armistead On Wed, 22 Sep 2004 12:11:56 +1000, Roger Druce wrote > Robert > DG505 > > Email me direct if you want more info on two-seater comparisons and > evaluation reports as VMFG has been through all of this (PW6, ASK21, > DG, Puchacz) over the last year. I will be away for a week from > tomorrow so not available for instant reply! > > Cheers > Roger Druce > > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of > Robert Hart Sent: Wednesday, 22 September 2004 9:40 AM To: Derek Ruddock > Cc: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. > Subject: RE: [Aus-soaring] 2 seat basic trainers > > On Wed, 2004-09-22 at 08:12, Derek Ruddock wrote: > > It's expensive, but a K21 will fit your needs perfectly. > > Cost is one of the issues and whilst the K21 would seem to meet our > needs, if it is expensive, that is a real issue. > > We need three identical basic trainers as we run at least three continuous > ab initio training courses every year, plus operate 3 days a week > with a combined club flying/training/AEF operation. > > Looking around online, it would appear that there are the following options > for new 2 seat basic trainers:- > K21 > PW6 > Puchacz (???still being made - web site suggests so) > > The Pipistrel Taurus is not yet on the market, but will be available > soon - and it may be just a bit too advanced for a 'basic' trainer > (even without the engine). > > What else is there out there that I am missing? > > Also, it seems very hard to actually get an idea of prices on line > for the PW6 Can anyone point to pricing for the PW6 or an Australian > agent for it (I found pricing for the Puchacz, have a rough idea of > the price of the Taurus and have emailed Bernard Ecke about the K21). > > Tks > > -- > Robert Hart [EMAIL PROTECTED] > +61 (0)438 385 533 > Brisbane, Australia http://www.hart.wattle.id.au > > _______________________________________________ > Aus-soaring mailing list > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To check or change subscription details, visit: > http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring > > _______________________________________________ > Aus-soaring mailing list > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To check or change subscription details, visit: > http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
