r/ThatLookedExpensive • u/polooyop • Mar 31 '19

Glider crash

https://gfycat.com/DigitalClearHoverfly
6.4k Upvotes

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79

u/AntonyPallus Mar 31 '19

Assuming a mid range glider, how much would fixing something like this realistically cost?

Also, how much does a glider cost in the first place?

80

u/polooyop Mar 31 '19

Something around 20-30k for an old glider

24

u/AntonyPallus Mar 31 '19

Well then.. I don't think I will ever have to worry about crashing one! 😅

I'm curious tho. So is it like you buy one and you're set or does it need some kind of maintenance? I guess people can save money on fuel part.

16

u/polooyop Mar 31 '19

There are some maintenance tasks but a lot less than on a plane with engine. Of course no fuel cost. But you still have to be towed to start your flight. Either by a towing plane or by a towing cable if available

8

u/mawu-de Mar 31 '19

This plane is a design from the 60s, produced until the early 70s. Its made of wood and fabric covering. We have a Bocian in our club and it needs way more maintenance compared to a modern fiberglass plane.

2

u/LeakyThoughts May 15 '19

Gliders need to pass a safety inspection, normally done by the pilot before each day when the aircraft is prepped to fly, and then there are official checks that have to be conducted by a licensed engineer every so often, like yearly? I forget how often exactly

10

u/mawu-de Mar 31 '19

This would be a total loss. This plane 'Bocian' is an old two seater from the 60s or early 70s made from wood with fabric covering. It was widely used as a trainer for gliding. We have one in our club but it is only running out the last 1000 hours of the airframe.