SAFA Skysailor Magazine

15 November | December 2023 SKY SAILOR This also is the reason why many mini or speed wings either don’t have flight test certi- fication, or they are EN-C or above when used in that higher wing loading mode which offers higher airspeeds. Currently, the new High C class is the same, but the other way around. In fact, we have taken a regular EN-D two-liner which only had one D result in its certification, and performed the test at 7-8km/h less. The result? It would pass that test as an EN-C. This is where the ‘pilot skill vs glider level’ issue comes into play with the new High C class and why it’s so important not to get caught out flying a glider above your skill level. The High C class is potentially an EN-D wolf in EN-C sheep’s clothing for the insufficiently skilled pilot. Overall performance is the pilot and glider combination The difference in a pilot’s own performance is what counts at the end of the day. Flying a glider at 100% will always show a better and safer outcome, than flying one at only 75%. That’s why so many pilots who have prematurely stepped up or skipped a glider level have not flown better XCs nor had more fun. On the contrary, they are the ones that often come back with stories of close calls or become an accident statistic. The current performance difference between the two EN-C classes of similar aspect ratios really only becomes subtly obvious on high speed glides. Unless you are racing on full speed in Sports class competitions for every glide and most of your hours, the extra performance won’t be used, but you will have a higher workload, coupled with less inherent safety. The net performance result on a High C might actually be lower. The 400km plus open distance EN-C class record flights in Europe this past summer were done by a pilot flying a Standard C class glider. The take-away comment from the pilot: “I chose (Standard C glider) because it has a great balance between performance and safety. I feel very comfortable on it so I can use the full potential of the wing and the air conditions.” Wise words. 2 line or not 2 line – the bottom line The main advice is that you should not jump from a High B to a High C. The correct and safe step is High B to Standard C (3 or 2.5 liner). Usually the hours needed to safely fly a Standard EN-C in all conditions are around 200 to 300, with 3 to 5 years of mixed flying. For the step up to a High C from a Standard C, add at least another 100 hours and a solid season or two on the Standard C. In summary, if you want to take advantage of what a High C two- liner can offer, the bare minimum skill level would be around 300 to 400 hours, and 4 to 5 years of flying, and stepping up from a Standard C. Anything less, and you are a risk to yourself and nowhere near using the glider’s full potential. Happy (and safe) flying. Lukasz-Prokop happy with his 437km flight on a Standard C