I finally got to make the first flight in my new 1-26B, serial number 299 on March 1, 2026 at Chilhowee Gliderport in Tennessee (my home airport). I made two flights that day. The first was 19 minutes and I released at 3200 AGL…basically a quick shakedown to see how it handled since I have never flown a 1-26 before this flight. You know, the proverbial sled ride!

It went so well that I took her up again but released at 2300 AGL. This time I accidentally stumbled into a thermal off a chicken barn, I’m guessing, just as I was getting ready to enter the pattern. So I made about 30 circles there, and managed a 30 minute flight.

I’m a fairly newly minted add-on glider rated private pilot. 48 years as a taildragger powered pilot and I was looking for something new to do in aviation. I’ve got a grand total of about 21 hours in gliders now. I am really looking forward to a lot of summer flying this year in my 1-26.

My wife even captured my first landing…no go around required!

Scott Littfin
Maryville, TN