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Knowing you are a fan of all things aviation. Here are pictures of the latest toy I get to use. It is a Stemme, built in Germany. It is a little challenging, and I still cannot relax during take-off and landing. Amazing performance: Fly for six hours under power, at 120 Kts. (way beyond my range). Max. altitude 30,000' Wing span 76' Glide ratio of 50 to 1 (shut-down the engine over San Diego at 10,000, and glide to Los Angeles). It is truly an amazing aircraft -- Steve Brownell '64
(Engine? I thought it was a sailplane. Guess that explains all the instruments -- JF)
Well, here is my story and I'm sticking to it. After retiring from American Airlines I still had the flying bug, so I started glider flying at Warner Springs. (you were right Steve Weston, '63, used to instruct there). A friend said he would buy the Stemme if I would get my Instructor’s rating in gliders. Sounded like a great deal to me. So here we are, It is a fabulous aircraft. Take-off with the motor, a Rotax, 115 hp. turbo-charged engine. Retract the gear, when you reach a soaring spot, shut off the motor. The propeller folds up, the nose dome closes, and the engine intakes close, and you have a high performance sailplane. About the instruments, (you cannot have to many switches, buttons and levers in an airplane). Two GPS units, Two navigation computers, oxygen, service ceiling of 30,000', (way above my limit), VHF com radio, transponder. The bottom line: A great toy.
(A SKATEBOARD is a great toy!! This is something else entirely -- JF)
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