The SZD-30 Pirat is a single-seat multi-purpose glider aircraft from the Polish firm PZL Bielsko, which first flew in 1966 and began to be produced in 1967. Development The SZD-30 is of wooden construction. The high-mounted wing incorporates air brakes on both upper and lower surfaces. The inner section of the wing is constant-chord and the outer section is tapered. The forward section of the otherwise all-wood fuselage is made of fiberglass. The single-wheel main landing gear is fixed. The formed one-piece canopy is side-mounted. The fuselage can be equipped with radios and oxygen system. There are two baggage compartments. Variants SZD-30 - Initial production version SZD-30B - A single prototype SZD-30C - Later production version, with smaller partially balanced ailerons of fiberglass, and larger cockpit. The first -30C flew on 10 January 1978. Operational limitations In 2011, following a number of cases of glue failure in the wooden joints leading to structural failure, the type certificate holder issued a bulletin which reduces a number of the limiting speeds of the aircraft. Specifically, the maximum speed (VNE) is reduced to 195 km/h (121 mph, 105 knots) and aerobatic flight is prohibited. Specifications See also List of gliders References Sailplane Directory SZD30 1960s Polish sailplanes SZD aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1966 T-tail aircraft High-wing aircraft