Classic Division

The Purpose of the Vintage Sailplane Association (VSA) is to promote the acquisition, restoration and flying of older (Vintage and Classic) sailplanes by its members, and to assist the National Soaring Museum in the preservation of soaring history and the promotion of vintage sailplane activity.  The VSA is a Divison of the Soaring Society of America, and is a supporter of Gliding and Motorgliding International..

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Classic sailplanes are defined as gliders more than 25 years old. This distinguishes them from Vintage Sailplanes, defined as any glider out of production since 1958, or a more recently built glider with appearance, performance and construction characteristics similar or comparable to gliders manufactured before 1958.  The Classic Sailplane Division, chaired by Jim Kellett,  addresses the needs of the older (but not Vintage) sailplane owner, pilot, or enthusiast.  

Owners or enthusiasts of Classic Sailplanes are encouraged to initiate and manage websites for their type.  Webspace is available free of charge for such sites through the generosity of a donor - if you're interested, contact Al at asw22pilot@bigwings.org.  (The sites hosted on his server can be seen at http://www.classicglider.info/.

There are several interesting challenges to the owners and pilots of Classic Sailplanes.  Many in this fleet are the earliest examples of the major shift in the design, construction, and materials of sailplanes toward FRP construction (vice wood, metal tube, fabric, and metal monocoque).  However, there are far fewer repairman in the general aviation community qualified to work on FRP materials, at least compared to those skilled in working with earlier materials.  In addition, many manufacturers are hard pressed to provide technical support to this aging fleet, especially with the actual numbers of a specific make and model are relatively small.  One of the most important contributions of the Classic Division is the promotion of "self-help" information within the community of owners and pilots.   

Therefore the Classic Division encourages the development and maintenance, by volunteers, of websites devoted to specific machines which qualify as Classic.  (See the links to known sites at the bottom of this page.)

"Type Sites" for Classic, near-Classic, and Vintage Sailplanes