Slingsby T 59 Kestrel is a single-seat Open Class glider built for high performance cross country soaring and competitive flying, with pilot controlled flaps and a retractable wheel for efficient cruising. Discover Slingsby T 59 Kestrel for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Slingsby T 59 Kestrel listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
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Finding a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Slingsby T 59 Kestrel sailplanes, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and beyond. If you want a classic high performance glider with a strong competition story and a large owner community, Slingsby T 59 Kestrel listings on AvPay help you compare real aircraft histories, equipment fit and condition in one place.
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Interesting facts about the Slingsby T 59 Kestrel
✈ The Slingsby T 59 Kestrel entered service as a licence built development of the Glasflugel 401, with early production aircraft closely aligned to the original pattern design.
✈ Slingsby produced the Kestrel as a glassfibre sailplane with camber changing flaps, a feature that lets pilots optimise performance across thermalling, cruising and final glide.
✈ The Kestrel built a reputation in national and international contests during the early 1970s, which still makes well documented competition histories a common part of its logbook story.
✈ The type became associated with long distance achievement, including early era record setting tasks that helped define what pilots expected from an Open Class glider of its generation.
✈ Buyers often focus on the wing system because later Kestrel developments increased span beyond the initial 17 m configuration, changing rigging practicalities and hangar requirements.
✈ The Kestrel 19 family introduced structural and handling refinements, including changes aimed at improving low speed efficiency and stability in demanding soaring conditions.
✈ British registration and certification history matters on this model, because some designations reflect approving bodies rather than a different airframe, which affects paperwork more than performance.
✈ Many Kestrels operate with water ballast capability, so ownership discussions often include tank integrity, plumbing condition and how ballast use fits local operations and pilot goals.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel
Recognised Slingsby T 59 Kestrel variants include the T.59 Kestrel 17 as the initial licensed production version, the experimental T.59B with a 19 m wing, the T.59C Kestrel 19 prototype with a carbon fibre wing spar, the production Kestrel 19 that appears as T.59D and also as T.59E depending on designation authority, plus the later Kestrel 22 developments, T.59G as a modified aircraft with span increased to 22 m and an enlarged tailplane area and the T.59H as a redesigned four piece wing version. For buyers these differences matter because they affect span, rigging approach, control system detail, certification paperwork and in some cases structural materials, which in turn shape maintenance planning, parts sourcing and how well a specific aircraft matches your soaring goals.
Slingsby T 59 Kestrel Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. This information should not be used for flight planning or other aircraft operations. Aircraft model variations, custom specifications, modifications, upgrades & age will have a considerable impact on the details listed below. Please check with the seller, manufacturer or aviation authority for the precise aircraft specifications.
Maximum Take Off Weight (with water ballast): 472 kg (1,040 lb)
Maximum Take Off Weight (without water ballast): 436 kg (960 lb)
Never Exceed Speed (VNE): 135 kn IAS (250 km/h)
Maximum Rough Air Speed: 105 kn IAS (195 km/h)
Maximum Aerotow Speed: 81 kn IAS (150 km/h)
Maximum Winch or Auto Tow Speed: 70 kn IAS (130 km/h)
FAQs About the Slingsby T 59 Kestrel
Which Slingsby T 59 Kestrel version am I actually buying, a T.59D or a T.59E?
Many aircraft share the same underlying Kestrel 19 configuration while the designation reflects the approving body. Ask the seller for the data plate details plus the certification basis and any type certificate references so you can match paperwork to the airframe.
What should I check first on a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel before agreeing a deal?
Start with wing structure documentation, control system condition plus ballast system integrity if fitted. Confirm compliance with mandatory modifications and airworthiness directives and review rigging hardware, canopy latching and brake function during inspection.
Is a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel suitable for club flying or is it mainly a competition sailplane?
Many owners use the Kestrel for serious cross country soaring and for competition style flying. It can still suit club operation when pilots have the right experience and when the club can support its rigging, storage and maintenance needs.
How does water ballast affect ownership decisions on the Slingsby T 59 Kestrel?
Ballast capability can expand performance options but it adds systems to maintain. Buyers should verify tank condition, valves and seals, evidence of leaks plus any local operating rules that affect ballast use.
What paperwork should come with a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel to make resale easier later?
Strong resale depends on complete logbooks, clear proof of modifications and a tidy equipment list with serial numbers. Keep copies of weighing data, pilot notes, rigging instructions and recent inspection sign offs so the next buyer can validate the aircraft quickly.
Get help buying a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel
Can’t find the Slingsby T 59 Kestrel aircraft you’re looking for? Get in touch with an Aircraft Broker to help you buy an aircraft via the Aircraft Broker Directory. Alternatively you can browse Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services through the aviation marketplace to help you with the purchase of a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel sailplane.
Sell your Slingsby T 59 Kestrel on AvPay
Do you have a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel aircraft for sale? Get your sailplane listed on AvPay and get in front of buyers searching for a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel glider around the world. AvPay is a Zero Workload Website so you’ll never have to make your own updates and each aircraft listing will be featured on our Social Media Pages giving you extra visibility in front of our 190,000+ followers. With AvPay you won’t just generate enquiries on your Aircraft Listings. You’ll also generate enquiries through your Aircraft Broker Profile and through each of the Service Listings you include on our Aviation Marketplace Pages. Let AvPay promote your Slingsby T 59 Kestrel for sale to the right soaring audience.
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Find Finance for buying a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel
Finance for a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel often depends on clear airworthiness status and a well supported valuation case. Gather logbooks, recent inspection reports and a full equipment list before you apply. Ask lenders how they treat older sailplanes with specialist parts plus how they handle transport, hangarage and refurbishment costs. Work with aviation finance teams who understand glider ownership so terms match your intended use and your maintenance plan.
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Find Insurance for a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel
Insurance for a Slingsby T 59 Kestrel usually reflects pilot experience, storage conditions and the aircraft’s maintenance record. Provide underwriters with recent weighing data, inspection sign offs and details of any modifications plus ballast capability. Discuss agreed value hull cover so the policy matches the aircraft’s condition and equipment rather than a generic category figure. Use specialist aviation brokers who place sailplane risks regularly so you get practical guidance on liability limits and operational requirements.
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