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:
flitetest.com/articles/glider-tow
Watch the 38cc Roadrunner maiden here:
flitetest.com/articles/roadrun...
Check out more Flite Test here:
flitetest.com/news/joe-nall-2013
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

[@DeDeNoM]

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

[@ajijic8767]

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

[@TinchoX]

***** xD

[@PickettLP7]

😅✈

[@coolboysgaming7755]

Lol

[@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

[@bwonline5725]

We miss David. Bring him back!

[@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

[@PhatheadWRX]

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

[@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

[@dabidhanky]

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

[@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

[@wamplertube]

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

[@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.

[@RCFlyBoy314]

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

[@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 ..

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jeffreynichols]

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

[@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!

[@batt3ryac1d]

I miss david

[@Skydive4ever]

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

[@pagedm]

Great episode!! I love seeing the big gas Road Runner in action, I loved the way Josh brought it in for a landing when the engine quit, sounded cool.

[@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!

[@droneviking]

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

[@Ace12GA]

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

[@katananoob5117]

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

[@JMastaProductions]

Great video guys! Love the format!

[@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.

[@user-nm4gt9zx7k]

Long episodes are awesome! Thank you very much!

[@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.

[@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.

[@theimacman]

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

[@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?

[@chbiscuit75]

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

[@KeciapTube]

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

[@ChristieNel]

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

[@kleinbottled79]

show keeps getting better

[@iamskillls1]

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

[@UnitedKingdomRC]

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

[@usmc4hire]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jolllyroger3728]

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

[@simandreal]

I love this format

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheBlackKnob]

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

[@theimacman]

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

[@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...

[@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...

[@parkerw1640]

Zachary Mohrmann Those were my EXACT thoughts coming to this channel

[@jet_flyer]

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

[@azbdm]

Another great video guys. And +1 for Liking the this format of video!

[@99nasha]

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

[@TimWhittakerphoto]

Just love your vids guys.. keep up the great work., Tim (New Zealand)

[@flying4nature]

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

[@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?

[@goriverman]

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

[@chrismillersrcfamily]

my new favorite show!!! smiled to whole time. thanks!!!

[@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. :)

[@Seanmmvi]

4:37 Hahaha Davids body language, that was priceless

[@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.

[@themerrigans2734]

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

[@aero-modelismecom]

Lot of dutch roll because of the dihedral of the 2 axis isn't it ? (thanks for your video, always a pleasure to watch)

[@bullproductions]

Awesome episode. The road runner is so awesome

[@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.

[@IanSebastianVlog]

i love RC's. Thanks for making such cool vids

[@rcjoseb]

Awesome episode guys. I wish I had that much land to fly on!

[@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.

[@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

[@Steve_Larson]

"There's your problem..." ROFL !!! Love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@electricfly123]

love the video, please do more glider episodes

[@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.

[@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!

[@jollysoldier215]

the wings folded after the lift from the loop(high aspect polyhydral wings do this loop manuever all the time in high start/tow)- tow a simple soarer(reinforce the wing spars) with a pt cruiser, or the bomber.. Also the full flying H-stab is weak in a tow scenario

[@million65555]

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

[@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

[@anonymxs._7570]

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

[@EpicLockdown]

Amazing flying!

[@livemediachannel]

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

[@youmanskids]

I had the same problem with my tow experience- main point--you have to have ailerons to keep the glider level behind the tug. impossible to do with elevator/rudder only!! but still fun! nice job guys.

[@jordanhuusy]

love having david on the show!!

[@oimmuk]

If I remember correctly we used to use a brass tube connected to the cords keyring that went into the tube on the model, if we or someone used that sort of release

[@andrewwilson8317]

Need a small variometer on board and a 5.8 link to ground. That way you can listen for and find the thermals and get the most out of your flying time.

[@raeme105]

Great show Boys love the gaser as u say not a bad flying field either Keep up the good work

[@djgabroo103]

loved this concept

[@userjjb]

Great video! First video of yours I watched, you gained a subscriber :)

[@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.

[@sickblayze]

Go josh!, love your guys videos ! Keep it up!!!

[@Ultra2040]

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

[@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.

[@aidanmco]

It's so graceful!

[@BoilerBloodline]

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

[@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.

[@NOXFPV]

Another great video.

[@biscuitsalive]

watching in 2020, classic flight test :)