Schweizer 2-33
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation · United States · first flew 1967 · glider
The Schweizer 2-33 is the most widely used training glider in North America, a rugged all-metal two-seater that has introduced thousands of student pilots to soaring since the late 1960s. Its simplicity and robustness make it the standard against which US club trainers are measured.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.78 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- American all-metal two-seat training glider with high straight wing
- High-wing side-by-side or tandem seating with fixed monowheel and visible strut bracing
Identified by the high straight metal wing with visible strut bracing from the fuselage sides, blunt nose, and the Schweizer family's characteristic angular cockpit canopy. Larger and heavier-looking than the 1-26.
Specifications
- The Schweizer 2-33 has a length of 7.78 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.51 m (51 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 169 km/h (105 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1967, the 2-33 replaced the earlier 2-22 as the standard SSA introductory glider. Schweizer built over 600 examples and the type remains in continuous commercial and club operation. Its all-metal construction demands minimal maintenance and withstands hard student landings.
Variants
The 2-33A introduced minor detail improvements; both variants are structurally identical. No significant aerodynamic changes were made across the production run.
Where you'll see it
The standard introductory glider at most US SSA-affiliated clubs; several hundred remain airworthy in commercial glider operations where regulations require tandem two-seat training aircraft.
Related aircraft
- Schweizer X-26 Frigate
- Schweizer 1-26
- Schweizer LNS-1
- Aeritalia/Aermacchi AM-3
- Beagle Pup
- Bellanca Viking
- Cessna 401A
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