VK Digest #8

BLANIKS.

Without pre-judging the outcome of the work to get Blaniks back in the air one must consider what will replace these gliders if the “grounding” is not removed. One imme- diate effect would be to increase the costof similar generation and the early glass two seat- ers. As many clubs will not be able to afford anything “newer” demand may exceed supply. How many older two seaters are on the market in your country?

On pure economics the current value of a Blanik today must be zero so if the cost of any approved inspection/fix is less than the cost of replacement glider it may make sense. How- ever airframe life and flight restrictions would also affect the decision so none of this is good news for gliding.

On a sad Note

Jochen Ewald has died fol- lowing a heart attack. Well known even outside of vin- tage circles for his flight test reports,. His “nickname “Cassius” , he of the lean & hungry look” , reflected his ability to get into the seat of anything that interested him. His other skills were in interpretation, he was a “star” at intenational rallies. I will miss, him even though he once “bent “my Fauvel

Web Links of the Month

From Derry Belcher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-ASRQECL-c
Old US gliding film

From Vincenzo Pedrielli http://www.vincenzopedrielli.it/index_eng.html
Just look at the info & pics