|
I had a Raveen 229 and a 209. Both were easy to fly, and could 360 with one wingtip inside a large barrel. They climbed well, stalled gently, landed easily, and were very pitch-positive (it took a lot of bar pressure to hold one in a long dive). They were slow flyers, and I'd guess top speed was about 45 MPH. It is not a glider for high wind conditions. It is not a cross-country machine, it is for fun-flying. As old as it must be, sail condition would be a primary concern. The sail material should be crisp, as if it were starched; but as it ages, it gets softer, like a bedsheet, and just as porous. If exposed to a lot of sunlight in the past, the colors will fade, and at this point, the glider is not safe to fly. Compare parts of the sail that get less sun to the same color material on the top surfaces. Faded means unsafe. A new sail would cost you more than a better used glider in the first place, assuming you could even get one. I would assume that the cables are not new, so plan on getting at least the bottom wires replaced entirely, at a minimum. This is normal maintenance, and should be done every year or three, depending on usage. Have an experienced pilot or HG shop inspect everything before you buy it. If you already own it, have the inspection done before you fly it. LISTEN to what they tell you. There are lots of nice gliders out there, but only one you. Don't blow it all, trying to save a little money. Have an experienced pilot fly it for you, if possible, even if that is the former owner. If the former owner refuses to fly it, get real suspicious, and hang on to your money. A HG club or shop would be very helpful, even if that means traveling a bit. All the best to you.
|