Peter Elsea Posted May 20, 2020 Report Share Posted May 20, 2020 I’m looking for input from the pilots on this forum, to help me decide which TMG to choose. I have read about the Phoenix and like it a lot. I do not know if there’s a dealer in the US, as all my answers have been from the Czech Republic when I email the company. The Sundancer also looks very good, very similar at least on paper to the Phoenix. They have an office in California. I am interested in performance differences, maintenance or body structure issues, usefulness of the adoptable wing set up, etc. I posted a similar question on the Sundancer part of the forum and nobody answered. So I thought I would try this group. any feedback would be most appreciated! Peter Easthampton MA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeschumann Posted May 20, 2020 Report Share Posted May 20, 2020 Jim Lee in Minden NV is the US importer for the Phoenix Motorglider. His support is absolutely exceptional. Martin Stepanek, the owner of Phoenix Air was one of the main designers of the Lambada Motorglider, which I believe is the predecessor of the Sundancer. When Lambada went out of business, Martin started Phoenix Air and developed the Phoenix Motorglider, which fixed a couple of key problems with the Lambada. The Phoenix Motorglider has a couple of HUGE advantages vs its competitors, that I personally feel are absolute show stoppers: 1. With the wingtips removed, the Phoenix wingspan is 35', so it will fit in any standard US T-Hangar. Competitive motorgliders with removable wingtips typically have wingspans of just over 40' with the tips removed, and will NOT fit in a hangar with a standard 40' door. 2. Compared to the Lambada, the Phoenix has a longer cockpit, so it is much more comfortable for long flights. I am 5' 11". Five + hour flights are absolutely no problem for me in the Phoenix. In the Lambada, the distance to the rudder pedals was a couple of inches less than in the Phoenix, which made for a very uncomfortable experience on longer flights. If you poll the Phoenix owners in the US, you will find tremendous enthusiasm, not only for the aircraft, but also the support that is provided by Jim Lee here in the US. It's absolutely amazing at how much parts inventory he has in Minden. I would strongly recommend that you take a really hard look at the Phoenix and get a ride in one before you make your final decision. The biggest problem is the lead time in getting a new aircraft. Used Phoenix's are very rare. So don't delay on getting one on order, if you want to get a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Elsea Posted May 20, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2020 Wow, thank you so much for the in-depth reply. That’s very very helpful. I am 6 feet tall, so the longer cocked it would mean a lot to me. I will get in touch with the Phoenix rep in Minden. I would love to know if any Phoenix owners live in New England! Again, thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly! cheers, Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeschumann Posted May 20, 2020 Report Share Posted May 20, 2020 Jim Lee knows all the owners. I think there is a disgruntled owner who is currently selling a Phoenix in the DC area that has had one or two accidents. Not sure it would be something I would be interested in. Jim would have more insight. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Registered Eric Greenwell Posted May 20, 2020 Registered Report Share Posted May 20, 2020 The US dealer's website is https://phoenixairusa.com/instrument-panels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 21, 2020 Report Share Posted May 21, 2020 Sorry to mention this, i ordered my phoenix in November 2016 , paid half of the plane. untill today did not received anything. Martin stepanik is NEVER answer a phone . and very seldom answers my mails. So be careful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Registered Eric Greenwell Posted May 21, 2020 Registered Report Share Posted May 21, 2020 Did your order directly from the factory? Everyone in the US got their glider with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Elsea Posted May 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2020 I emailed Mr. Lee for more information. I’m waiting to hear back. No deposit yet, but I am irrationally excited! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 22, 2020 Report Share Posted May 22, 2020 I ordered directly from Martin in Tjechië. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheridan9sc Posted May 26, 2020 Report Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) FYI, there is an additional Phoenix in South Carolina in the Classifieds that you might want to look at. Edited May 26, 2020 by sheridan9sc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeschumann Posted May 26, 2020 Report Share Posted May 26, 2020 What classifieds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheridan9sc Posted May 26, 2020 Report Share Posted May 26, 2020 Classifieds on this website: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeschumann Posted May 27, 2020 Report Share Posted May 27, 2020 Hoses replaced and BRS repacked. That's a plus! Too bad I already have a Phoenix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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