GP Gliders Ireland
GP Gliders Ireland are the new representatives of Peszke S.C. in Ireland and Northern Ireland which are designed and produced by PESZKE S.C. based in Krosno, Poland. The Peszke (pronounced Pesh-kah) family have been involved in aviation and gliding for at least three generations. Jerzy Peszke (grandfather of the current MD) was one of Tomasz Kawa’s instructors. Tomasz’s son, Sebastian (14 times World Champion – including his 2017 WGC 13.5m win in a GP14 ) is the company’s technical advisor, completing the circle!
The current company was founded in 2007 and is a producer of aviation products, including high performance propellers, light sport airplanes (since c.1990) and gliders. The company has substantial expertise in the use of composite technology and aero structure design. PESZKE S.C. is a participant in the Subcarpathian Aero Cluster and Krosnian Technology Incubator.
Kevin Houlihan who runs GP Gliders Ireland is no stranger to Irish pilots of both the gliding and power fraternities and indeed is known in gliding circles internationally having flown socially and competitively throughout Europe, in the USA and in Namibia. He has been gliding since 1981, has his Gold ‘C’ badge with all 3 Diamonds and holds an FAI 1,000k Diploma. He has flown over 113,500 kilometres cross country – just short of 3 times around the world at the equator – without an engine! He is an instructor, tug pilot, IGSA examiner and rated inspector. He has experience on over 50 types of gliders and several dozen powered planes.
Kevin has extensive experience with self-launching gliders having owned, maintained and flown a DG808C for eight seasons. He has also flown a variety of other TMGs and SLMGs. He also has the important advantage of having many hours in both an Arcus E and an Antares 23E and so is well used to the management and operation of electric self-launching gliders.
The GP Glider range are light, easy to rig and fly. Empty weights range from the GP11 Pulse at under 120Kg to the GP15 Jeta – complete with motor and battery – at 185Kg. They are designed to fit into the SSDR category, introduced in the UK in 2014. In Ireland they will be de-regulated pursuant to AN A.112 published by the IAA in June 2017.
The GP 15 Jeta has an aspect ratio of 29, a wing loading range from 33-60kg/m2 and an L/D of over 50:1. The entry level GP11 Pulse, ideal for clubs and early solo pilots with its fixed undercarriage and flapless wing, offers a glide angle of 39:1.
All models come complete with auto connecting controls, basic instruments and a ballistic recovery parachute included in the price and a range of options to suit all tastes. GP Gliders also supply very elegant, light and streamlined trailers which will protect your investment, offer a large storage area and can allow one man rigging.
For more information visit www.gpgliders.ie
About the Author
Mark Dwyer Mark is an airline pilot flying the Boeing 737 for a major European airline. In addition he is also a Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner and Base Training Captain on the B737. Outside of commercial flying Mark enjoys flying light aircraft from the smallest 3 Axis microlights up to heavier singles. He is also an instructor and EASA Examiner on single engines and a UK CAA Examiner. He flies the Chipmunk for the Irish Historic Flight Foundation (IHFF). Mark became the Chairman of the National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) in 2013 and has overseen a massive growth in the organisation. In this role he has worked at local and national levels. In 2015, Mark won ‘Upcoming Aviation Professional Award’ at the Aviation Industry Awards sponsored by the IAA. Mark launched this website back in 2002 while always managing the website, he has also been Editor and Deputy Editor of FlyingInIreland Magazine from 2005 to 2015.
