The SOSA Board at it’s last meeting unanimously approved the acquisition of two new additions to our fleet of gliders. The Board has selected the fiberglass ASK-21 to function mainly as the new training craft for our students and they will replace the aluminum Blanik craft. The excellent characteristics will also appeal to club members as well. Orders for the new planes have been made and we expect to take delivery late next year in time for the new season in spring 2009.
Many clubs have the ASK-21 as club craft forming the backbone of the training fleet. Designed by Rudolf Kaiser and manufactured by Alexander Schleicher, the ASK-21 (more commonly known as the K-21) is recognised as one of the leading training gliders of its generation. The K-21 is a versatile, rugged aircraft, easy to fly yet well able to stand up to the daily use and abuse which a training machine endures. It is a particularly easy machine to handle on the ground and is capable of carrying a wide range of pilot weights in both the front and rear cockpits.
The ASK-21 is a two-seater mid-wing glider with a 17 meter span. This aircraft stands out particularly because of the wide range of flying tasks which it is suited to. The ASK-21 meets the requirements of the student pilot from instruction up to the first cross-country or competition flights. The experienced pilot can make use of its suitability for aerobatics. The high production quality, as well as the low maintenance and very rugged design offers a versatile aircraft for everybody, fit for everyday service and lasting in value.
The plexiglass canopies are hinged fore and aft and together with the upwards-hinged instrument panel in the front seat they enable comfortable entry and exit. The layout of the canopy locking levers plus the fitting of a canopy interlock mechanism (which prevents the front canopy from being secured unless the rear canopy is also secured) reliably guarantees their locking, particularly for the rear canopy which is an asset on solo flights or when carrying rear-seat passengers.
The landing-gear has shock-absorbing rubber mounts which not only absorb the smaller bumps which are common on every takeoff and landing, but are also very forgiving of the loads of a heavy landing. The seat positions are adjustable for comfort and minimum fatigue and all of the controls and operating levers are ergonomically designed - facts which are not lost on flight instructors especially after a long instructional day.
Many clubs have the ASK-21 as club craft forming the backbone of the training fleet. Designed by Rudolf Kaiser and manufactured by Alexander Schleicher, the ASK-21 (more commonly known as the K-21) is recognised as one of the leading training gliders of its generation. The K-21 is a versatile, rugged aircraft, easy to fly yet well able to stand up to the daily use and abuse which a training machine endures. It is a particularly easy machine to handle on the ground and is capable of carrying a wide range of pilot weights in both the front and rear cockpits.
The ASK-21 is a two-seater mid-wing glider with a 17 meter span. This aircraft stands out particularly because of the wide range of flying tasks which it is suited to. The ASK-21 meets the requirements of the student pilot from instruction up to the first cross-country or competition flights. The experienced pilot can make use of its suitability for aerobatics. The high production quality, as well as the low maintenance and very rugged design offers a versatile aircraft for everybody, fit for everyday service and lasting in value.
The plexiglass canopies are hinged fore and aft and together with the upwards-hinged instrument panel in the front seat they enable comfortable entry and exit. The layout of the canopy locking levers plus the fitting of a canopy interlock mechanism (which prevents the front canopy from being secured unless the rear canopy is also secured) reliably guarantees their locking, particularly for the rear canopy which is an asset on solo flights or when carrying rear-seat passengers.
The landing-gear has shock-absorbing rubber mounts which not only absorb the smaller bumps which are common on every takeoff and landing, but are also very forgiving of the loads of a heavy landing. The seat positions are adjustable for comfort and minimum fatigue and all of the controls and operating levers are ergonomically designed - facts which are not lost on flight instructors especially after a long instructional day.
CLICK on images to enlarge
