Schleicher Ask 21

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The Schleicher ASK 21 is a two-seat glider designed in Germany in the late 1970s and introduced in 1979, becoming one of the most successful training sailplanes ever built. With over 1,000 units produced, the ASK 21 revolutionized glider instruction by offering docile handling, excellent visibility from both cockpit positions, and forgiving stall characteristics that made it ideal for ab-initio students while remaining capable enough for cross-country soaring and aerobatic training. Its all-fiberglass construction, side-by-side seating arrangement, and robust airframe allowed clubs and commercial operators to conduct high-volume training operations with minimal maintenance. The type remains in widespread use at soaring clubs worldwide more than four decades after its introduction, a testament to its practical design and enduring utility. With a 55-foot wingspan and a best glide ratio of approximately 34:1, the ASK 21 can remain aloft for hours in favorable thermal conditions, reaching altitudes well above 10,000 feet while teaching generations of pilots the fundamentals of energy management and soaring flight. SkyMeter has tracked 16 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with TAMPA BAY SOARING SOCIETY INC the largest observed operator.