Thanks for your patience in answering my questions!
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Originally Posted by GliderPilot
Q1. Yes, a self launching glider has a small powerful engine that folds out of a compartment behind the cockpit and allows the pilot to be independant of ground helpers. You can just get in, start and take off. When high enough, stop the motor and fly like a conventional glider. If you run out of lift, get the engine out again and climb to a better height or return home/continue to your destination. However in the UK you need a different type of licence to fly this type.
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What's the typical required field length for a self-launching glider to 'take-off'? I assume it would depend on the weight of the glider & the pilot and the wind conditions. What kind of licence will that be to qualify to fly the self-launching glider? Not quite a PPL, right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by GliderPilot
There is another type of glider called a "sustainer" or more popularly known as a "turbo" that works more or less the same way but the engine isn't as powerful and will not develop enough power to get the glider off the ground. It has to be towed off the ground by a tow plane but once airborne, if you get low, pop out the turbo and either motor home or climb to a higher altitude and then start gliding again. Aerotow launches require a tow plane with a pilot and someone to hold the wingtip to level the wings and run alongside the glider until the controls become effective and the pilot can balance the glider on the one wheel during the ground run. Self launchers don't require either.
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Have you ever flown on a 'turbo'? If so, did you feel any major differences in flight compared to pure gliding?