When a early cross country pilot solos, at many clubs he or she is likely to start in a Junior which has a best LD of 35 at 43 knots. This is fine provided it is not too windy (ie 10-15 kts max on course) which I think is the big issue here.
So looking at how some typical two-seaters compare. The K13 has a best LD of 27 at 49 kts. The Puchatek also has a best LD of 27 at 48 kts. Next is the Grob 103 Twin 2 with best LD of 35 at 56 kts, the ASK21 with best LD of 35 at 46 kts, and the Twin Astir with a best LD of 38 at 59 kts. The Duo has an advertised best LD of 47 at 56 kts ... similar to the DG1000. Some of the gliders above are very difficult to de-rig (eg Puchatek) and would be avoided for cross-country accordingly. Whilst the DG1000 and Duo are obviously superior, it could be argued that some of the lesser performing two-seaters like the Grob, Twin Astir and ASK21 are going to more closely replicate the performance of the Junior. In nil wind, there should be no problem going cross country in a lower performing glider. Some Club Class gliders will only achieve LDs of high 20s, low 30s in competition so the LD in itself in not an issue in light wind conditions. However, if you are spending 30-40% of a flight climbing in a Junior and there is a 30 knot wind, you may really struggle. I agree with the previous posts ... the thrill of achieving a cross-county flight must be shown to greatly exceed any of the drawbacks. Last year, I out-landed four times (met some lovely people !) and performed six retrieves (I don't mind that ratio ... you can learn quite a bit from the experiences of others, and you build up a credit bank!) . I have done some analysis of these events which I will post separately. In all the outlandings I have been involved in as a pilot or collector, I have never experienced or seen anything other than the greatest degree of assistance and hospitality from the "hosts". Great fun. John
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