the sperber senior first flew in 1936 and took part in the rhön german national championships of that year but its pilot, ludwig hofmann retired for personal reasons midway through. in 1937 peter riedel took it to the us to participate in the 8th american national competitions at elmira. he finished with the highest score but, not being a us citizen was denied the title of champion. whilst in the us he made a seven-hour flight over central new york. after he returned to germany the sperber senior was retired.