Have to correct myself. This was the first successful flight of the Radian. First flight lasted 5 seconds of spin into the soft earth breaking the fuselage in two just forward of the wing. After gluing it back, inserting much carbon strip, tow and pushrod, fairing with nightmare light Spackle and spray painting the fuselage, I covered the elevator and wing in less that permanently attached colored packing tape.
I live in Houston, but Built a Gentle Lady at Foot Hood while in the service. I tried slope soaring it there. After repairs I used a Cox Texaco .049 them a TD .049 to send it well above any 400ft limits to soar and thermal many fun flights.
I have always dreamed of flight a high performance sailplane, but lacking high performance flight skills the Radian is a great platform to gain confidence and I plan to practice some contest skills with this fine Gift from Dad. The plane just flies nice.
There are at least 4 other pilots in the club that also have the Radian, and I can't wait to soar with a gaggle of them in friendly competition.