Light weight planes definitely get bounced around more in wind, but I'm always amazed at the way they smooth out very close to the ground. I think there's no way I'm going to land it, and then at the very end it's no sweat. I see heavy, powerful planes flying very smooth in wind, but I enjoy the challenge of a lightweight in the wind.

Wind penetration is a puzzling concept. At first I couldn't see how it differed from speed. And lighter planes will acheive higher speeds in level or climbing flight than heavier ones. But here's the difference--if you are having trouble gettting back from downwind, the heavier plane will fly faster if it is descending--that's why glider pilots use ballast--they are always going downhill, and more weight increases the speed. I think that must be what people mean by "penetration". They may not even realize they are in a slight dive, but if they are, the heavier plane will get back easier.

As far as people obsessing about weight, I certainly don't see any sign of that in our club! But I enjoy the process of picking my wood and lightening my planes. I had a Senior Falcon that weighed 5 1/4 lbs and did outside loops on an OS 40 FP. Such a beautiful flier. There's no right or wrong here, it's hobby--we get to do as we please.

Jim