Gliding The Cloud Streets of Southern Ontario - Lak 17a

[@SkywaySoaring]

Nice cloud street! I like how you have the paneI - simple and clear of distractions. I see that it doesn't have winglets for the 18m. DO you see an advantage if having winglets in both 15 and 18m? Thanks

[@Frigate356]

The outboard 3 feet on each wing has extra dyhedral but no winglets on this model. If there is a mod available, I don't think it would improve the performance enough to justify the cost. It already has a 50:1 glide ratio which is a dream. Going to the 15M config costs about 10% in performance so I always fly 18M config. Yes, nice straight forward panel, thanks. I also bring a backup Nav unit (a phone running XCSoar). Cheers.

[@SkywaySoaring]

@@Frigate356 thanks the reply. Seen your videos in Florida - nice!

[@Frigate356]

@@SkywaySoaring Thanks. Unfortunately all I have is a phone cam! Hoping to get a GoPro and proper mount for next season. Stay tuned for some much better stuff 🙂

[@ewthmatth]

What is that red bar at the top of the panel?

[@Frigate356]

That is to jettison the canopy in the very unlikely case that you have to bail out. In gliding, especially competition gliding, gliders often fly close together in thermals which creates a risk of a collision.

[@bogdanrotaru6101]

how is the actual performance of this glider in climb and jump? I am thinking of buying one myself

[@Frigate356]

It's got a very good polar for Cross Country application - good cruise performance. Glide ratio is 50:1. Controls respond well for an 18M ship - not heavy feeling. Good slow flight characteristics for thermalling. I'm still in awe of it. There are some articles you can Google up - reviews/test flights by experienced pilots. It's certainly all I could ever ask for performance wise.

[@SkywaySoaring]

Mark, are you going to fly in Florida this year?

[@Frigate356]

Unfortunately no. COVID-19 restrictions are keeping me in Canada. Next November, I am hoping.

[@SkywaySoaring]

@@Frigate356 let me know when you're here. I'm in fort Lauderdale, and I'm getting the same glider as yours.

[@Mysemantics]

Mark, Thanks for the video. How does the LAK 17 handle compared to other gliders you have flown? Mike

[@Frigate356]

Hi Mike. This is the third glider I've flown after the K-21 and LS4. I really enjoyed the handling of the LS4, particularly the roll rate. The Lak handles quite nice but it is the first 18M I've flown - managing adverse yaw takes a bit of extra effort but I've only flown the aircraft 7 times! Each time I'm getting better with the adverse yaw. Of course, the performance is stellar in the Lak compared to the LS4. Hoping to get a better camera soon with a wide angle and a good mount. Cheers !.

[@fire111111]

@@Frigate356 My first glider was a Standard Cirrus but have been flying an LS-4 for the last two years. I love the LS-4 but I’m thinking the LAK-17 will be my next glider because I’m wanting longer wings for weak days, flaps for tighter thermals and a nice Cobra trailer upgrade over my Komet. What do you think?

[@Frigate356]

@@fire111111 Hi Chuck. I have a strong affinity for the LS4, and some great memories too. The step up to the Lak17 has been great. The highlight is the cruise performance - speed, and when you need it, a hell of a glide range (50:1). I've had some wonderful long final glides this past season. It's also very flyable, excellent in thermals, and has good slow speed flight characteristics. It's a gorgeous aircraft too 😀. I was very fortunate that one was available in my area. We have a Lak 17 Facebook group with about 80 Lak pilots. You're welcome to join. m.facebook.com/groups/388927968802772/

[@fire111111]

@@Frigate356 This is great to hear and in line with everything I’ve heard from others. My Standard Cirrus was good and the LS-4 is better in every regard but I think the longer wings and flaps would be better for so much of our year that’s flyable but weak. Thanks for your quick feedback, I’ve already joined the FB group and will welcome thoughts from others as well.