The AS 33 flies
The new 18m sailpane makes its first flight at Huhnrain
While in large parts of Germany the weather was cloudy and somewhat gloomy, St. Peter provided a sunny window over the Rhön for the first AS 33 flight. But it wasn’t just the sun which shone brightly – but the faces of everyone present were equally bright with joy about the highly successful event.
At around 11:30 a.m. local time the AS 33 lifted off for the first time. Company head Uli Kremer was at the controls and he thoroughly checked everything out including the retriever motor with the electric starter.
Three additional flights were possible before the pilots and spectators retired happily to the airport hut for a small meal, away from the still quite cold temperatures.
For now, here is a small collection of photos taken today (23 January 2020) on this occasion.
Photos: Manfred Münch
Last tests
Ready for loading
Quick and easy rigging
Pre-flight checks
The AS 33 for the first time at the company airfield Huhnrain
Lena Kremer and Paul Anklam - Camera ready?
Members of the design and prototype construction team
Uli Simon gives Uli Kremer his final pre-flight instructions
The first centimeters of air are under the wheel
Senior company head Edgar Kremer and Martin Heide
Just the Rhön is clear of clouds
Schleicher employees observe the exciting first flight
Impressed and very satisfied: Uli Kremer
Congratulations to the whole design team
Company head Peter Kremer congratulates Paul Anklam
Uli Simon immediately before the second AS 33 flight
Uli Simon also seems very satisfied
The 3rd flight – happy anticipation by Tobias Moersel
Joschka Schmeisl carries out the fourth AS 33 flight
