Flite Test - Glider Tow

A huge glider with a 4 meter wing span gets towed into the air with a 38cc gas airplane.
More details and photos available here:
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Watch the 38cc Roadrunner maiden here:
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Thanks for watching!

[@taylorwedow708]

These old episodes with David aka The Swedish Man are the best, the good ol'days

[@troyphillips8027]

Same the new videos just don’t feel like flite test. They’re good, they just don’t have the old flite test charm

[@zooblestyx]

At NASA, if your test launch is a success, you get an A. If something goes wrong during a test, you get an A+ for revealing problems before the actual launch.

[@tacomanguyen6449]

Lmao cliché.

[@smokingspitfire1197]

I somehow doubt NASA uses school grading systems

[@modelrc9500]

SmokingSpitfire “Mom I failed NASA!”

[@Project-Air]

This was one of the most entertaining episodes of Flitetest I have ever seen! Great stuff guys!

[@bleudie173]

I can't beleive you were watching flight test in 2013 lol. And only 7 likes is crazy

[@DeDeNoM]

10:20 always make sure the sky hasn't just disappeared!

[@ajijic8767]

***** Glider...check.......batteries....check.......sky...check...

[@TinchoX]

***** xD

[@PickettLP7]

😅✈

[@coolboysgaming7755]

Lol

[@010falcon]

Ok simple, what happened, the glider is capable of being towed. The problem was the the speed of the gasplane You must imagine, at that high speed, the glider has a IMMENSE lift because of them huge wings Thus the wings bend, because he was pushing the elevators down and the plane HAD to climb The maximum speed was already reached and now all the further stress was on the wings RESULTING in the wings bending that terribly and it doing a looping

[@dabidhanky]

Enjoyed watching this yesterday. Went up the airfield and enjoyed flying this afternoon. Life is sweet.

[@bwonline5725]

We miss David. Bring him back!

[@NMdesertracer]

Speed is not your friend when towing a two channel polyhedral glider. We tow a 2m tower hobbies vista with a carbon z cub with no problem. Slow speed is the key. The towplane should climb as steep as you can with as little airspeed as the towplane pilot is comfortable with. If you go to fast the glider will sway side to side "dutch roll" Also Jog with the glider to till it takes off out of your hand.

[@sloperdude]

Yes, I thought that would be obvious to these guys. They were way overspeeding a low speed floater sailplane. It was even gliding too fast. It came down quickly every time. It should have been trimmed for slower flight. "What are you guys doing?" I was thinking as I watched them.

[@phil36135]

I was gonna say the same thing tow plane was to fast .Good video.

[@adamainsworth1302]

its funny that David checks that the sky is still there at 10:21

[@wolfe1970]

Well you never know lmao

[@LikeTheRain100]

You’ve got to make sure you have all the ingredients before you start baking.

[@waleswideman1]

Probably so he dont get lost fpv and has a flight plan

[@PhatheadWRX]

Blast from the past Josh, Josh, David, Kapper and Alex

[@CorbyStarletCj1]

I love the new format, Myself and my mates have the same attitude we are here to have fun and try new things on the spur of the moment.

[@wamplertube]

Man I love these old episodes! Look how young you guys look!

[@theimacman]

11:50 - Nice work on Josh's part, with the dead-stick landing!

[@zacharymohrmann4329]

I have to admit in the beginning I was very skeptical about you guys, but the more I watch your videos I become more impressed with your capabilities.. I thought you were a couple of goof ball kids or young guys who really had no respect for the hobby what so ever.. But as I continue to watch your series of videos I have to say I can see the learning values that you bring to the new young and novice fliers...! Keep up the good work gentlemen... And thank you for a making non associated flier believe that all is not lost in the world of R/C hobby flight...

[@Kart_18_Racer]

Zachary Mohrmann Those were my EXACT thoughts coming to this channel

[@modslot]

Thanks, brings back memories of my first flight. I was self taught and using a high start, after 3 stalls and partial recovery the glider was on the ground from 200feet in less than 10 seconds and yes I learned more in that 10 seconds than any other time in my life. Cheers!

[@brettconv83]

Two years later I miss the old school Flite Test with Josh Scott and David. FliteFest17 east this year just felt off, it didn't feel the same

[@RCFlyBoy314]

I love the little sneak preview intros!! Haha, then cuts to the opening, darn near gets me each time LOL

[@MrCubcrazy]

RC aerotowing is one of my favorite type of flying. Like you said, ailerons are a must...connecting the towline on the "tug" end at the trailing edge of the wing..and keep full throttle until the glider releases. Adjust speed with pitch, but keep speed as constant as possible. That glider was barely suitable for hand launch with the amount of wing flex. The extra weight of the FPV and other goodies probably factored in as well. Looks like yall had fun.

[@calvincheney7405]

I am tremendously thankful for the creative and honest way you young men are presenting your products, projects and personas. Every one of you can be proud of your contribution to the hobby and your business endevor. God bless you!

[@MrZazhy]

i only have one plane. an easystar which is for me a perfect beginners plane. all stock. and thanks to you i got motivated enough to start rebuilding it and making some modifications. this show really got so good. at everything! i am even thinking of doing the spitfire!

[@dadbrad852]

Nice energy management on that deadstick Josh B.! That was an aggressive turn but you played it just right! Nitro experience showing on that one.

[@MrGeforcerFX]

I use to pull up my glider using my dog when I was a kid.

[@KenKneknaneek]

50 feet of surgical tubing plus 500 feet of strong line for a high start..Walk backwards holding the glider until lots of tension, then let the glider go, with some up elevator.. The glider has too much dihedral.. it was saucering back and forth all the time..

[@lr21643]

+Ken K. I've always used 100 feet of tubing and no more than 400 feet of line, but if the wind is blowing enough, your way will give a higher launch. At least if you can launch upwind! My impression was that the glider had too much dihedral when it got loaded up on tow and the wing rods bent some (not necessarily permanent). I may be wrong, but I suspect if piloted by someone who often flies similar gliders, it would be much smoother. It's pretty easy to get even a good rudder elevator glider oscillating like that if you have dumb thumbs for a moment and are a bit tense! For models that DO have a tendency like that, a simple rate gyro, set up to control yaw, would make a big difference. A rudder elevator glider with long skinny wings like that probably needs a little more dihedral than others for responsive handling. I've had a model with wings nearly that long which was very frustrating to fly because there wasn't enough dihedral.

[@KenKneknaneek]

+lr21643 Hi just saw your comment. Yes, on a windy day, and always launched into the wind, sometimes the wind would make the glider actually go up and back behind you... lol.. then you gave it down elevator into the wind until it started to go forward again.. hahah .. you could come off the line at times almost 90 degrees from the ground. Those were the days. Now if the weather would cooperate and warm up to at least just freezing maybe I can try out my new Calypso (with motor) and folding prop.. LOLO a bad word back then among the glider pilots!! Happy Flying and Merry Christmas!

[@dragonslayeryt1163]

Mr. GeforcerFX me to I thought I was the only one

[@b0t_345]

Mr. GeforcerFX HAHA I read it I used to pull up my dog using my glider

[@edge13429]

Really digging the new mini movies! The "Road Runner" has inspired me to get a 25cc Homelite Conversion, but not sure how to determine the thrust on a gas engine.

[@cuddles6938]

In the 1970s, my Dad used a long rubber band on his Glider's to launch them into the air. Stuff they used in hospitals basically.

[@KenKneknaneek]

+TekReview's Surgical tubing ..

[@katananoob5117]

i think this is the most thrilling episode of FT ive seen to date

[@maxwelll1978]

'Tow it up from the flo up!' LINE! I hope I get the opportunity to use that one day, in the right place, crowd and situation that it will be appreciated. Maybe I'll just have to come fly some crazy things with you guys.......I'll bring beer.

[@theimacman]

10:20 - The sky still exists, Check! Good call David. :)~

[@ChristieNel]

The failures are priceless! You guys make this show show educational and "real".

[@BoilerBloodline]

Caddywhompus, modocking & whopperjawed are all words that my grandpa used prolifically. Lol!

[@KeciapTube]

wow that whole situation about the deadstick landing is awesome, the sounds, the landings

[@batt3ryac1d]

I miss david

[@rickharriss]

Hi, I have slope soared 3 Mtr gliders and flown real gliders, One of the biggest issues id that the tow plane is often going to go far too fast for the glider to cope. A nice slow tow is much better. Your right about the aerolons as well. Vital to allow you keep the glider wings level with the tow plane so you follow it. Great effort and great videos and site Thanks guys

[@kleinbottled79]

show keeps getting better

[@UnitedKingdomRC]

10:21 I love your pre flight checks, got the glider... Got the sky ...

[@jeffreynichols]

This is one of your best videos ever - I love this format.

[@ChiefMarmadan]

Turn the glider into a drone style glider. Add some small solar cells in the wings and a small motor near the rear. No need for a large motor, mainly just something to maintain glide speed. That way you could tow it up to a decent altitude and fly for HOURS as the solar cells will generate the little bit of electricity needed to sustain flight.

[@Firebird356]

Our full size tow plane has the tow point at the rear and the tow cable is attached to the nose of the glider. When we tow model gliders with a 30% cub we found it was better to have the tow line fixed on the cg location above the wing on the tow plane. The model glider still has the cable attached to the nose in the same way as the full size gliders do.

[@JimBob-rr9hc]

My grandfather was a partner in a company the invented the thermic sniffler. They later sold it to ACE RC. the originals are still loved and sought after the name of the company was Soaring products.

[@usmc4hire]

Please KEEP THIS FORMAT of video. You guys are doing a great job!!!!!

[@dizzyjw]

That was so much fun to watch... When that thing flipped i was yelling and on the edge of my seat... I love these types of episodes when you guys are just out experimenting... Keep them coming... Thanks

[@rogueqd]

Great video guys. Even though there were quite a few backlit shots, the camera style really made me feel like I was actually there watching you all. I hope David can resurrect a phoenix from the ashes and you eventually manage a successful tow. Even with a different glider. This is a great project.

[@Prairie7777]

Great video guys. I appreciate that you include (as you stated on this vid) your crashes and failures as well as your successes. I certainly makes it REAL! I used to RC years ago and watching your presentation here kinda makes me want to get back into it. I flew slope gliders and really enjoyed it. I especially really like the equipment that you can now put onto these planes (video, variometers, etc.) That sure does get you up close and personal. Once again, great video and thanks for posting it.

[@chbiscuit75]

That looks like something we would do at Arcola RC. Awesome. Love the new style and LOVE the gas episodes!

[@Seanmmvi]

4:37 Hahaha Davids body language, that was priceless

[@theimacman]

Agreed. It takes a ton of work (filming and editing) to make a video like this, but I could see this being on TV. I'd tune in every week, no doubt. :)

[@Zanzubaa]

Looks like a real nice way to spend a summers day. Must be nice to have a nice piece of land like that as well. Good stuff.

[@KenKneknaneek]

ha ha great video. Flew gliders from high start many years ago. About 500 feet of line and 50 feet of surgical tubing. Worked great. To come off the high start keep following the line until you reached the top of the lift almost vertical same for vehicle pull or electric high start... at the top dive forward, and come off the hook. I noticed you turned away 90 degrees to come off the hook, and didn't reach your highest point. Anyway, I think the dihedral of your glider was a little too much, more like a vulture flying, lol.. less dihedral makes it glide faster and cuts through the air better more like a sea gull. Hey great video as always! Love watching your videos. I just noticed on the last email you sent that in the USA they want you to register all r/c aircraft now. I figured they would mess it all up with rules and taxes and will probably do the same thing eventually here in Canada. Happy Flying.

[@anonymxs._7570]

There is nothing better than a RC glider with 120% power / weight ratio and a folding prop :)))

[@Ace12GA]

This was a great episode guys, really enjoyed seeing it all.

[@SpeedsterDEN]

If you dont have a towcoupling on the glider then use a 1,5" velcro band, works great on gliders up to 3 meter, to release just pull up. And it will release if you do something wrong. For glider with no ailerons, put the velcro at the underside, between the nose and the leading edge, then the glider is much more stable in the tow and it will not do the roll as on the video, and just hand launch it. And Tow in S pattern up against the wind, and dont turn downwind, Then you will have a success

[@oliwic]

Buy the way I loved the auto tow at the beginning, I've never tried on myself, but winch launching is fun. Also, David, varios aren't cheaty, we can normally just fly towards a cumulus for lift (simple, isn't it), but we still use 'em. Thanks everyone for the great episode, good luck with future gliding.

[@oliwic]

Dear Flite test. I fly full sized gliders, and in case you try towing again in the future, here are my tips. First, I wouldn't try it without ailerons. I mean, you should use mostly rudder to steer on tow, but Jesus it would be hard with only rudder. Second, when you are just about to pull the release, do a climbing turn, doesn't matter which way, but normally it's to the left.

[@troikos_toxotis]

You guys rock. I love how David always pushes the limits. That Glider FPV with variometer would have been awesome! Maybe you'll have to try again with a glider that is a bit stronger, carbon wings and stuff, like a Vladimir's Model Maxa or something. Now that would be cool. Its full carbon tow wings wouldn't bend. Those are spendy though.

[@livemediachannel]

They're just having fun, dude. Bixler has been flying rc for 20 plus years and David is a really good pilot too.

[@droneviking]

Awesome episode. Have watched some of them, but this one was by far the most entertaining stuff in a while

[@jet_flyer]

I like this format but not for every episode, great work :D

[@byteunitus]

That was an incredible recovery by Josh on the dead stick, I am in awe of his skills! Most of us would have lost that plane there and then I am sure.

[@stephencholvat]

lower production than usual, more genuine and fun though, i like both formats

[@jolllyroger3728]

you should check on the right placement of tow hook on that glider and when towing you must tow slower much slower

[@TheBlackKnob]

This almost feels like a reality show... this was a good episode.

[@iamskillls1]

that was a great episode. it felt like i was there in the field with you guys!

[@ledfed1912]

flite test is worse now without David and Peter.

[@thomasrusso6722]

I agree

[@infinite_tech8882]

Marcus Christensen so true

[@you238]

You don't like that clown that nervously laughs at everything?

[@braeeee_]

@@you238 who?

[@million65555]

Best video yet. Thanks for an edge of the seat flight. Maybe use that one horse power grass burner next time.

[@Sharklops]

9:30 Josh: "We went to the Toledo show.." David: 🎵 "TOW-ledo!!" 🎵

[@LeighHart]

I watched this while dining in a posh restaurant in Luxembourg and I nearly spat out a mouthful of water in the last five seconds of this! Snort!

[@BudFox559]

I have a 3 meter Quasoar that similar to that one. I used a high start on it with a hook and up elevator to release it. The Quasoar came with foam wings covered with obeachy which maks it a little heavy I wish the wings were balsa and Monokote. like my others. I have four gliders and one piper cub, I used to fly slope every day, but I haven flow any of them in years.

[@simandreal]

I love this format

[@xxXJuiceXBoxXxx]

You guys should definitely consider extending your normal episode to 20 min. It would be a real treat!

[@chainz186]

4:28 the horse is just gettin out of there haha

[@biscuitsalive]

watching in 2020, classic flight test :)

[@TheAdkFlyer10]

I ironically enjoyed the "reality show" style this ep had (as I normally can't stand reality shows! ;-) ) I hope you do more of these longer episodes. Thanks guys!

[@matthewdean8070]

i Had one of these gliders as a child...mine had a very limited fuel gas motor that was designed to get it up then run out of fuel at a higher altitude..I loved it..was my first A stick...

[@nickekholm]

I like this 'behind the scenes' (if thats what you want to call it) style of filming. Seems much less staged!

[@BillAnt]

Oh wow, the Futaba brand radio brings back memories from the 1980's when they were the top quality gear to have. Wonder what's out on the market nowadays?

[@HondaMan250X]

I assume the fundamentals are the same from full scale to RC, so some tips. Don't let the glider rocket upward as is gains speed at take off, you can literally roll the tow plane over. Even in full scale you stay feet off the ground until the tow plane can climb out. Secondly (which may only be useful for FPV) you want to be slightly above the tow plan when you release, and when you do, climb up and away either left or right to clear the tow line. Awesome video nonetheless.

[@justy256]

"The Sweedish Guy" is the primary reason I watch! Great show guys.

[@Ultra2040]

Awesome. Good to see that big 50cc gasser back on scene.

[@oliwic]

This will help tension the rope before you release, as you will slow down real quick, and it will also help to avoid the rope (not such a big deal with models, but still). Lastly, and I don't know how useful this might be with models, but don't fly too high above the tug, as you'll pull his nose down, especially on take off, when the glider, being a much more efficient aircraft, will take off long before the tug.

[@qwetry-j2u]

Long episodes are awesome! Thank you very much!

[@99nasha]

Awesome video. It would be great to see more gliders!

[@goriverman]

Enjoyed your video, felt like I was there with you.

[@flying4nature]

Nice video and experiment...this is the real RC flying! Bye from Switzerland

[@Skydive4ever]

Awesome show again, loving the long, behind the scenes format, keep 'em coming :-)

[@bmallory]

Man that gas plane : sounds like a flying lawn mower.

[@masongeissberger6573]

Id love to purchase one of your kits but have a limited budget. Can you make a glider or versa wing for beginners for around $50? Thanks!! Love your videos!

[@sato4kaiba]

Dave should rebuild the glider! Also rather this format over the new one you guys were testing!

[@cabalse]

Sry about the glider! You guys seem to have so much fun. Back in Sweden it's windy and all my planes are grounded :( Thanks for the show, keep it up, watching everything :) Loved the Joe Nall report.

[@menamiketrx]

I did similar with a Hobie Hawk. Tow plane had way to much horse power and flew to fast, so Hobie was a real handfull. I think you need to match up a tow plane that flys at the same speed as the normal flight envelope of the glider. Fortunately the Hobie was very strong and all had to do was keep it pointing towards the tow plane, which the crazy pilot simply pointed the high horse powered tow plane straight up and the Hobie followed, and I did my best to control it going into rolls.

[@nicoritter9334]

you fly like the first people ever has tried flying model aircrafts :D

[@tacomanguyen6449]

XD

[@themerrigans2734]

does that bring memory's, fond ones. good job.

[@one234569and10]

Did you call your dog devildog? That's funny because we called our dog that has since passed away, devil dog also!

[@thatonemuzzafuzza7931]

But I wasn't talking to Alex....I was looking at you. Made me laugh hahaha love it guys!!!

[@bullproductions]

Awesome episode. The road runner is so awesome

[@Xanzibaar]

Just stumbled on this so it's a bit late now but it might work better if you started the engine the right way around, anti clockwise not clockwise! I could be wrong all front mounted engine driven props go that way, but hey you're the experts Cool set up tho :)

[@fiveoneecho]

It was anti-clockwise.. wasn't it? If you look down the plane from tail to front, thats the way you determine it right?

[@Eric107874]

when you start a gas motor you spin it the opposite way then when combustion occurs in starts spinning the other way, like when you start a weed whacker (atleast on mine) you pull it it turns the shaft clock wise then when it starts the shaft spins counter clock wise. I believe it is called a recoil start. atleast that i my understanding of it with small motors like these i may be mistaken though

[@1958steveflying]

That particular engine has a coil spring on the back of the crankshaft, when you turn the engine clockwise half a turn and release the prop it spins the engine anticlockwise to start it. It is more obvious after the dead stick when it took a few goes to restart the engine.

[@dieseldrivermt1]

i know you have herd this but i miss david on the show ,yes he the 3rd man out but at times he was the 4th as well at the same time,it was fun and funny at the same time wile all learn and had fun watching

[@rcisafunhobbyrcfun9060]

Enjoyed watching every minute. Cheers FliteTest crew. PS. When will you send another RC plane to the edge of space again? Because that was amazing.

[@YearsOfLeadPoisoning]

Great video guys - I'd like to see a video on high starts and techniques as an alternative

[@akbarfoto]

could do an interview "who is David the Sweeden guy" episode. just saw the who is josh, it was really nice to know a bit deeper to you guys. great show, entertaning and make me want to do a come back on the hobby. last flown was when I was elementry. :)

[@ukionz]

Thanks for the test. I always wanted to do towing, but too many fail towing on KZbin turn me off. I even seen towing plane stall & crash.

[@olliepackman199]

Pre flight checks: Gat De imagee Gat De skyyy Pre flight checks complete