Sailplane Refinish Part 8 - Test Flight

As the last part of this refinish series, it's only right to finally test-fly the LS3. Part 8 starts with Danny going over everything he fixed and the challenges involved.
Given its age, many parts had to be repaired or completely replaced, making this old glider feel brand new. Parts such as a pneumatic tailwheel, hydraulic brake, new instruments, and new releases were installed, adding to that new glider feel.
As part of the refinish and 3000-hour inspection, the trailer was also redone. Danny completely repainted the trailer and installed brand-new parts such as LED Lights, COBRA Handles, new running lights, COBRA trim, and new fenders. These new parts and repairs brought the trailer up to today's standards, only adding to the new modern feel of the refinished glider.
With the refinish complete, Sean could finally take the glider for a test flight. Performing basic maneuvers along with a clean takeoff and landing. We are happy to say that the refinished LS3 performed amazingly and sets the standard for glider workmanship.
wingsandwheels.com
www.schaeferaviation.com/
Links to the products seen in the video:
Pneumatic Tail Wheel: wingsandwheels.com/3-5-inch-t...
Air Avionics ACD-57: wingsandwheels.com/air-avioni...
LX 9000: wingsandwheels.com/lx9000.html
Air Avionics ATD-80: wingsandwheels.com/air-avioni...
Borgelt B700 Variometer: wingsandwheels.com/borgelt-b7...
Tost Nose Tow Release: wingsandwheels.com/e-series-t...
Tost CG Tow Release: wingsandwheels.com/g-series-t...
COBRA Handle: wingsandwheels.com/handle.html
COBRA Running Lights: wingsandwheels.com/running-li...
COBRA Trim: wingsandwheels.com/trim-blue....
COBRA Fenders: wingsandwheels.com/fender-w-m...

[@NWA320DRVR]

Beautiful work. A friend had his AS-W20 refinished by Danny during the winter with the same results.

[@Tannerxcsoaring]

Wow, nice work there Danny!

[@schaeferaviation]

Thank you!

[@schaeferaviation]

Thank you for putting this series together, Sean. An awesome glider with a finish that can compliment its great history!

[@wingswheels]

Thank you Danny for the outstanding results!

[@mcsql7534]

Wow that turned out great!

[@markmartin9346]

so cost of doing this considering you say 900 hours at $120/hour plus instruments, paint, etc, maybe $150,000? For a 56 year old glider?

[@wingswheels]

Inflation is high, but not $120/hr for a refinish...yet. It's like a new glider now at a cost of less than a 1/4 of a new 15/18 meter glider with almost 90% of the performance. However, being in the family for three generations of glider pilots, it's priceless.