How a Glider Engine / Turbo / Sustainer Works

How does an engine work on a glider? Part one shows how the sustainer aka turbo built into the Ventus cT works, how to start it, and what happens if it doesn't start as expected!
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Learn how the engine works, the procedure to operate it, and how you have to dive to use it.
Stay tuned for part two that will include the shutdown procedure and how far you can travel with such an engine!
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00:00 Intro
00:28 Opening the engine
01:19 Engine control instrument
02:26 Landing with the engine out
05:01 Engine Procedure
06:48 Info!
07:42 Common Questions
09:24 Conclusion
09:51 Epic Pull-up

[@BadYossa]

YT algorithm served this up to me this morning, randomly. Mate, that is so cool. Never knew that was even a thing. Fly safe!

[@PureGlide]

Hey that's awesome, glad you liked it! I have no idea why, but this video sat quietly without much fanfare for months, but just took off like crazy in the past couple of days! So glad it's going to people who appreciate it. Cheers!

[@BadYossa]

​@@PureGlide I may be wrong, but I watch a lot of stuff on Engineering (being a Chef??), which covers boats, hairy-planes and many other forms of transport, as well as other more esoteric stuff. Maybe that is why? For once, I shall raise a wee dram to the YT algorithm!

[@sixstringedthing]

The Algo doth work in mysterious ways... I watch a lot of military aviation/history/GA content, but not much Glider stuff... close enough for the electronic elves though apparently. :) I'm not complaining in the least of course!

[@PureGlide]

Interesting, I should probably target engineering types. A LOT of glider pilots are engineers, or otherwise technical people. In our club we have farmers (usually good at maintaining machinery), software developers, architects, mechanical engineers, dentists, surveyors, pharmacists etc... Cheers!

[@BilltheTulaneGuy]

Algorithm delivers again!

[@GTD40CarClub]

Flying my Ventus CT from Lasham. Got low so picked a large recently cut corn field. Raised snd started the engine, great, I'm away! 5 seconds later the engine stopped. Lowered the nose and landed without drama. On inspection I had got a kink in the flexible fuel line when I rigged in the morning. Always, always pick a field first before you do anything else.

[@PureGlide]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah that's a great example of why you have to :)

[@mobilemarshall]

@@davebryant6905 2 strokes are known for reliability if maintained... simplicity=reliability

[@robjohnson8522]

A braided fuel line can really pay for itself! Very kink and heat resistant!

[@robjohnson8522]

@@mobilemarshall What you said is very true simplicity=reliability is one of my favorite mantras. On the other hand, most two strokes are working very hard creating a lot of stress. Then factor in they vibrate more. Combine those two factors and you get a lot of failures that more complex but smoother, easier running engines won't have nearly as often. {shrug} It's always a balancing act.

[@sixstringedthing]

@@davebryant6905 Never done any moto or aviation stuff, but that definitely sounds like my experience of small two stroke engines. She'll run like a wee ripper... right up until she doesn't. I presume in an aviation context, one must be just as diligent regarding maintenance and proper care of a 2-stroke as with any other aero engine.

[@DFX2KX]

the compression lever is a neat fix. let the prop spin up, then release and it works like an inertia starter. Clever.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah simple eh!

[@leslierhodes5467]

It’s just like an E bike having A battery this little engine is used for assistance to extend your flight time

[@PureGlide]

Yeah good way to put it! Cheers

[@TheWizardGamez]

what E bike doesnt have a battery?

[@Smokeyr67]

@@TheWizardGamez the ones with really long extension cords

[@trashy14epicgamer90]

Nah pedal assist is cheating.

[@gaspererjavec7108]

they have electric assist gliders you know, so exactly like a ebike. They can take off on their own.

[@PureGlide]

Not in the video, but the shutdown procedure is the following: - Turn off the fuel. Wait for the engine to stop. - The blades are still spinning. Lower them for 3 seconds out of the airstream. - Wait for the blades to stop spinning, check with the mirror. - Close it completely. Stay tuned for part 2 to see this in action!

[@johngalloway156]

Don't stop by shutting the fuel and thus the lubrication. No need. Just switch off the ignition.

[@MikelLee]

@@johngalloway156 The Ventus CT manual states to shut down engine with fuel shut off valve prior to stowing. Anyway to each his own. He is stating the shutdown procedure correctly via the owners manual.

[@johngalloway156]

@@MikelLee I know that. I owned 3 SH turbo gliders over the period 1992- 2014. The earlier turbo manuals did indeed say that but it is not necessary and cutting off the fuel/oil mix cuts off the lubrication while the prop is still wind-milling doesn't seem sensible. NB The comment from Pure Glide: "Wait for the engine to stop. - The blades are still spinning" is not correct as the prop is directly driven and the engine has not stopped turning until the prop has stopped turning.

[@PureGlide]

@john interesting I haven't tried switching the ignition off before the fuel. I'll try it sometime. Yes I was just doing what the manual said.

[@krotchlickmeugh627]

@@PureGlide always follow the manual as that way your warranty is still valid. But the guy is right. Im a 2 stroke mechanic. You never under any circumstances want to run a 2 stroke out of fuel. Running it out of fuel starves the engine of fuel which is also its oil increasing the temp in the engine as it leans out and with no oil mix youll spin a crank bearing or score then seize your pistons.

[@fgjfjdfghjsfghjsfj]

Like a sailboat with an engine, simply gives you options. But there will always be elitist people on any topic :)

[@PureGlide]

Yeah good analogy! Cheers

[@Sarge92]

i really really really dont get this so if i take a engine strap wings flaps controll surfaces heck a couple wheels on wouldnt hurt if i then tie a bit of washing line to it and use this to pull you up into the air this is ok hell if the plane wants to turn his engine off after he got you up and play pretend hes a glider this is also ok but the second you decide you wanna use your own engine its not ok? fuck em they should worry about theres and leave you to enjoy yours and i agree with the sailboat it might not be traditional but traditionally if you had no wind and was stuck in the sea your pretty well fucked there mate and i hope the seas dont get rough as long as your having fun and not using that engine to set any glider records with it running i see no issue here

[@edenwalker5494]

sorry you spelled purist wrong

[@Fuck_whoever_took_my_handle]

Yeah I'm faithful to my spouse, I just keep other girlfriends on the side because I like having options. But there will always be elitist people on any topic :)

[@SoloRenegade]

Exactly. If I ever met a pilot who said this was cheating, I'd never fly with them again because I'd be afraid of their stupidity getting me killed somehow.

[@gpenicaud]

I have finally gotten to this zone of KZbin. I have no interest in flying, let alone gliders, yet I here I am watching this when I should be sleeping. Thank you KZbin recommendations.

[@PureGlide]

Cheers mate!

[@patman0250]

Man having an engine on one of these things just makes so much sense. Just think about it, if you can fly about 8 to 10 hours in one of these gliders. And damn near close to hitting a thousand miles. Just in one glide alone. Having an engine on there could potentially fly you clear across the United States from California to New York, on just one gas tank. Because you don't run the engine the whole way. Hit it for about 5 minutes up to altitude. And you're good for another 8 hours of gliding.

[@PureGlide]

Haha not sure your numbers are quite right, but the concept is kinda right!

[@patman0250]

@@PureGlide Well probably not on your engine. But I know there's some people that can get close to a good thousand miles on just one glide. And I've also seen other people instead of a propeller prop, they put these small jet engines on there. I bet that'll do it.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah so my engine has one of the longest ranges. The sawtooth method which is climb, then glide, then climb, then glide etc can get 450km range. Any further and you need some external weather to help. Cheers!

[@patman0250]

@@PureGlide Well the world record for the longest glider flight is a little over a thousand miles.

[@AceSeptre]

Clever safety mechanism. No need for lockouts or cutoff switches.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah it is clever, they haven't changed it much in 35 years....

[@CLdriver1960]

That decompression lever is a very clever idea! I’ve ‘windmill’ started my ROTAX powered Challenger Ultralight, and the speed required to get the prop turning was well above 85kts due to the high compression of the 2 stroke engine.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah I bet! Cool you can do it if needed, but that’ll be quite a dive

[@CLdriver1960]

@@PureGlide True. I usually use the electric start to 'air start' the motor because I would need at least 500' of altitude to pitch over and accelerate to windmill speeds before the prop starts turning.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

I have an N3 Pup (need to put the wings on...), but...I'm curious, how fast do you think I'd have to go to start a 1/2aVW to wind-start it? The pistons are a bit high on the compression. I really hate starting that thing...It's a tiny motor, but it kicks so darn hard!

[@CLdriver1960]

@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 That’s a good question. The short answer is: I don’t know because I’m unfamiliar with the 1/2 VW. What I suggest is trying a windmill start under controlled conditions. Set yourself up over a suitable landing area where you can make a power off landing (preferably at a quiet airfield with little or no traffic). Climb up to 3-4000 AGL and leave 1000 feet as a knock it off altitude where you would be in a position to conduct a normal gliding circuit and approach to landing. That’s how I conducted my windmill test. Hope this helps.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

@@CLdriver1960 Brother...I've got the ULTIMATE set up...I keep my (need to put the wings on) N3 Pup at a private air strip (bees too), my brother owns it! You offer good advice...treat it like I'm dead sticking! Thanks!

[@jswatts1967]

Oh, "Hi You Tube", I thought you were saying "Hi You Two". That makes more sense - I was the only one watching! Loving your videos, by the way. I have my RA certificate but always interested in other forms of flying (and simulated glides in an LSA is less enjoyable and more stressful!).

[@PureGlide]

Hi yeah there's only two viewers in total ;)

[@SonoranAstro]

thanks for the video :) i seen a glider take off over my house the other day out of one of the busiest GA airports in the world. i was very confused hahaha.

[@Johan-ex5yj]

LOL, No one noticed the *“NOT VERY - PURE GLIDE”* at the end?! {That’s sooo funny!} 😃 😄 😁 Good info for the engine enthusiasts BTW… 👍

[@PureGlide]

;)

[@croweater87]

Very interesting video. I imagined those Engines were there to get you out of trouble at low level. But it seems a fair amount of forward planing is required. Including a dive!!

[@PureGlide]

Yeah exactly right! Gotta use it early. I just tried to start it down low next to the airfield recently, and it didn’t start, so ended up landing😆

[@90secondsofaviation86]

This always feeds my interest for glider engines, there arent too many vids anywhere!

[@PureGlide]

Glad I can help!

[@TheSoaringChannel]

Well you've found yourself at one of the best channels.

[@90secondsofaviation86]

@@TheSoaringChannel i know right

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Glider engine videos are rarified air.

[@finnvictorsson]

Your videos are very calming, I think it might be the New Zealand accent. Keep up the great work

[@PureGlide]

Thanks mate, appreciate it! And I edit out the boring bits too :)

[@bassett_green]

I love how simple the controls are, since it's not an essential piece of equipment

[@PureGlide]

Yeah it is good how simple it is

[@JessHull]

what an interesting and cool way to start that engine.

[@PureGlide]

Fun eh :)

[@indigenoussober407]

Beautiful Landing too.

[@PureGlide]

Thank you! The trick is to only put the good ones online :)

[@LCdrDerrick]

Oh, do I miss that hobby! But without money, hence without a private glider, you depend on a club (Germany) and this brings not just lots of human friction and tension, it also eats up lifetime and weekends beyond mercy. When I was active, I always had the desire for jumping in a lake or cycling through that lovely landscape, smelling the forrest etc., sensations from which I was cut off due to flying. As it feels to me now, the grass is always greener on the other side.

[@sixstringedthing]

Aussie here, I visited Southern Germany/Northern Austria a few years ago and as much as I love our natural landscapes, it certainly feels like the grass is greener over there. :) I hope to get back over there some day and visit the north, German food and hospitality is fantastic! I do hope you are able to go for a glide again some day, it must be an amazing thing to do in such a beautiful country. Cheers from Sydney.

[@JoeC88]

@@sixstringedthing Sydney, the capitol of Ausgladyistan

[@PureGlide]

Yeah it does use a lot of time as a hobby :)

[@ZaphodHarkonnen]

Something about the preview image just screamed NZ to me. 🤣 Confirmed the moment you started talking. 👍 EDIT: God this country is gorgeous. Need to get my glider license at some point.

[@PureGlide]

Cheers mate!

[@skyracer]

Nice video, but I teach my student to lower the gear before deploying the engine. The reason is that if the engine will not start (or start properly), then you are in a hurry to land in the paddock and you will likely forget the gear.

[@PureGlide]

Excellent point, thank you!

[@robjohnson8522]

Hmmmm, to each his own but I would never intentionally increase drag while low and slow on the off chance I will forget to increase drag later.

[@ronbranham4307]

Great explanation of the sustainer motor operation! This motor really opens up the territory you can explore! Your prior “Motor to the good stuff” video captures the advantages! Some of your videos show magnificent scenery that appear to have zero options for landing out safely. I am certain having a motor must feel good. Keep up the excellent work!

[@PureGlide]

Thanks very much! And don't worry although you can't always see them on the video, there are ALWAYS options for landing. Often behind me which you won't see. I've only once or twice in my gliding career I've not had somewhere safe (or wet) to put it down. Around NZ in particular, we often don't find lift even when we expect to, so it's critical. I'm up to about 75 out-landings so far...

[@ronbranham4307]

@@PureGlide That would make for a great video of the best out-landings in NZ in short video clips. Clearly with my 2 out-landings I need to adventure out more.

[@Regulareverydaynormalguy1]

Very interesting. I knew that many gliders had auxiliary engines but I never knew they had no starter or throttle. Very basic system. Thanks for sharing this info. Great video!

[@PureGlide]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it!

[@fishfuxors]

Go ,go, Gadget! Altitude!

[@PureGlide]

Haha 😂

[@krzysztofpuszczyk6829]

There is a very interesting content in this channel. Gratings from Poland!

[@user-jq4hm5kr3b]

That’s a very cool and informative video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.👍🏼

[@PureGlide]

Thanks for watching!

[@sixstringedthing]

Great video mate, I had no idea that sustainer engines in gliders were even a thing! That seems to be true for quite a few commenters but I see that it has not prevented the Certified KZbin Experts from telling you everything that's "wrong" with it. :) Noticed a couple of comments regarding jet-assisted gliders which perked my interest, given how far compact jet turbines have come along in the past decade or so. Subbed and hit the bell, looking forward to part two! Cheers from an Aussie born in Ōtāhuhu who is desperate to return to his homeland once this Covid business is over.

[@PureGlide]

Cheers! Yeah I'll try and get some videos about the jets and electric gliders out in the not too distant future. Nice to have you onboard :)

[@darkredvan]

Well, in general the sustainer option is a good development, though it is indeed a kind of „cheating“ compared to regular gliders (sailplanes). Therefore they should treated / compete in a class of their own. Why? Though in a competition the use of the engine will be regarded as an outlanding, it in fact is not. You are flying back to your airfield (or another one). The guy without the sustainer is stuck somewhere out on the ground. You have more and different options with the sustainer, even if only on training flights you do have a certain amount of advantage. Do not get me wrong: I am not against the use of engines on gliders, they certainly have advantages. In contrast they are not regular gliders anymore. I would guess that if you are limited to a glider without any engine you need to put in a lot more safety margins than with a (running) engine. Even if it is only on a training flight, the engine is a big plus. Good if you have one, but to let them compete with pure gliders is like comparing apples to oranges.

[@PureGlide]

Well up until the point you get the engine out in theory it's the same. And in some ways a disadvantage, because you have to start your engine early, not at 200 feet above the ground. Where as without an engine you can try and get away in a thermal down low (even though you shouldn't do that either). Also we still have to have a paddock to land in, as it might not start, so you can't go to places you wouldn't otherwise. Probably the main advantage is not being exhausted after a big retrieve for the next day! Cheers

[@darkredvan]

@@PureGlide Everything you wrote is valid of course. Though - when there are sufficient numbers of gliders with sustainers / self launchers around - it would make sense to compete in a class of their own. Nowadays you have different classes anyway, that „usually“ don‘t mix in competition (unless on club or regional level competitions). I am in no way against sustainers (our club recently bought a brand new Arcus T and I voted for it), but they are a different kind of fish compared to regular gliders. And yes, you are right, they are lots of fun and reduce the risk of outlandings by a high margin. Have a lot of fun with your glider, Cheers from Germany, Michael.

[@GHOOGLEMALE]

Great bit of kit well demonstrated

[@PureGlide]

Cheers

[@mikevermey]

Interesting insight... thank you very much for sharing!

[@PureGlide]

My pleasure!

[@realpokski]

I agree the engine is not an advantage in competitions, even is a disadvantage with more weight, and at least the turbo which needs to dive to start takes more altitude than some people use for landing circuits. But there is one competition advantage, and that is that on those outlanding days, when sometimes other competitors arrive back late at night after long retrieves, the turbo pilots can motor home for a relaxed evening. Saves on fatigue :-) Unless you're the one who have to go retrieve all the other pilots after returning :D

[@PureGlide]

Exactly right! I thought I would end up being more relaxed but in the end I go on a retrieve anyway :)

[@realpokski]

@@PureGlide It started with turbo pilots going to contests without crew, "since I will always get home I don't need a crew". Then it evolved into the pure glider pilots: "I won't need a crew because the turbo pilots can come retrieve me". And now no one has a crew :)

[@kiwiflieger59]

Gliding reaches a new level of cool at 9:51! Awesome video

[@PureGlide]

Thanks a lot! Glad you liked it

[@damienhughes2351]

Glad you did this video. I was wondering about the engine. How does the weight affect it's ability to glide?

[@PureGlide]

Another great question! I’ll have to include that in part two :) basically it makes the glider heavier, just like adding ballast in the wings would.

[@PureGlide]

More weight = harder to climb in a thermal, but can glide faster at the same glide ratio. Weirdly :)

[@xierxu]

The engine got up the same way I do in the mornings. Sound and all.

[@PureGlide]

lol

[@mopedinthemalverns6661]

That's exactly how a Velosolex moped starts! I really enjoyed this episode - good work. I'm already subscribed but Thumbs Up at least.

[@PureGlide]

Awesome, thank you!

[@fsj197811]

That was neat, thanks for sharing!

[@PureGlide]

Cheers!

[@johngallagher6047]

Love all your stuff Tim. Did you say you would do a video on jet powered gliders? That would be very interesting. A bit of background info if I may be so bold, I'm a 67 year old former glider pilot living in the north east of England. I ceased flying in 1997 but continue to fly as a virtual pilot on Microsoft FSX and Condor 2. Always look forward to seeing new stuff from you. Take care and keep up the excellent work.

[@PureGlide]

Thanks John, Stefan made a good video about flying the jet recently, so thought I’d wait a bit before making one. Check out his video I suggest. Thanks for your support! Cheers Tim

[@RudisGlidingAdventures]

Hi pure glide, thanks for another interesting Video! 😀👍

[@PureGlide]

My pleasure!

[@christinpolen5350]

Looks like a good air brake!

[@PureGlide]

Yeah it'll help you get down if you leave it out!

[@brushitoff503]

Awesoe stuff Tim thanks for another great video

[@PureGlide]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for part 2 that will cover all the things I forgot to put in this one :)

[@SkidzFPV]

Great info, I was wondering how they would be able to tell that you “cheated” by Using your engine, other than a straight sustaining climb in your track.

[@PureGlide]

Cheers

[@Trevor_Austin]

Your ignition switch is wired to your data logger.

[@SkidzFPV]

@@Trevor_Austin yea, I got that from the video. I meant I was wondering about these engines and how they would tell before I saw this video.

[@laurenceperkins7468]

Since it can manage to climb with the engine, I'd expect it could likely take off from a good runway. But this smaller one might be like one of the old wood and canvas airplanes where you need a bunch of helpers to start the engine and give it as much of a running push start as they can to get it up to a speed where it's stable enough to not drag anything on the ground.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah that is exactly right, people have started it on the ground and launched with it I hear, a bit of a help to get it started can make it easier. One day I might try it! Cheers

[@longerino]

Cool video, I learned a lot.

[@PureGlide]

Glad to hear it!

[@theaureliasys6362]

Seems quite useful.

[@PureGlide]

It is!

[@aspopulvera9130]

Praise the youtube algorithm for this video!

[@PureGlide]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@kevinmccarthy8746]

I love it. I love it.

[@PureGlide]

Same!

[@BruceDuncan]

Thanks Impure Glide ;) I don't fly sustainers but I guess another big risk is forgetting to mix the oil into the fuel... The engine would run for a few minutes, then you'd be hoping you could get back to the field you had chosen!

[@PureGlide]

Oooh I don't even want to think about that! I have a careful process, involving two clearly labelled fuel tins...

[@BruceHoult]

If it actually climbs at 1.7 knots on average at 55 knots forward speed it's a piece of cake to get back to the same field even with a straight out climb -- as long as you put the engine away first. You do need to make sure you're not flying in sink though -- 1.7 knots is no match for 10 knot sink. You still have to think like a glider pilot, not a jet fighter pilot.

[@BruceDuncan]

@@BruceHoult Good points! Hopefully you are also climbing into wind which will also improve the glide ratio back to the field. Haha yes even power pilots get caught out by the sink from mountain wave :)

[@sixstringedthing]

I would suppose that one must be just as careful when refuelling this sustainer setup as aviator must be when refuelling any kind of aircraft engine. :) All due care and attention required, since you can't get out and walk.

[@jdhart3759]

This is quite interesting and now I’m intrigued into getting into flying with ultralights or something like this

[@PureGlide]

Yeah go do some gliding at a local club I recommend! I’m a bit biased though

[@psychepeteschannel5500]

I like that type of glider with the two tubes under its long flapy side parts - It has no engine (no spinny thing in front), but is really fast and car carry people - its like magic. I think its called Boink 007 or something like that.

[@SC-lm1dt]

I was wondering if part of the prep to fly the glider was to test the engine to make sure it will start in flight. former usaf jet mech here,beautiful glider there thanks for this video. You answer my question later in the video.

[@PureGlide]

Hi yeah bit tricky on the ground to start it. The good news is we can fly without it quite happily for a LONG way... Here's part 2 that answers lots of questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIO3nHuebNNoa7s

[@bronco5334]

Wouldn't this make more sense as a pusher motor? From the way the prop blades fold, it appears the only thing actually holding them deployed when the engine is running, is centrifugal force. I would imagine a great deal of thrust is lost from the system to blade flex. By having it a pusher motor that folded forward, I would think you'd get greater efficiency from the engine

[@PureGlide]

Good question! I guess this is the design, hasn’t changed for over 20 years as it seems to work well. Brand new ones are almost identical

[@Hells_Gate]

Ah, was wondering if that was at Waharoa, yip.... nice

[@PureGlide]

Sure was

[@RBAERO]

Nice video.

[@PureGlide]

Thank you!

[@RBAERO]

@@PureGlide When you cover about others types of glider with retractable engines. Please explain how the system those who has two blade propeller make the propeller stay in the right way to retrac. Thanks.

[@PureGlide]

Noted!

[@jathawk101]

NICE!

[@PureGlide]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@licencetoswill]

love that outro, you should do some vids on aeros / wingovers etc. also the state-of-play of electric sustainers would be interesting

[@PureGlide]

Thanks! Yeah I'll cover other types of engines in another video sometime

[@fredbloggs5902]

I imagine electric options must be getting more viable every day

[@PureGlide]

We've had an electric self launching glider in New Zealand since 2011! I sense another video coming on...

[@daszieher]

Electric sustainers should be a game changer. I wonder, if one could replace one battery with a generator for more range

[@otsokivivuori7726]

@@daszieher they are very much a thing! The FES system is already pretty common (seen on most larger gliderports). I would think that adding a generator with fuel is just more heavy and complex than another battery for the same amount of energy and power.

[@alianjohnson6035]

another good one PG - look forward to hearing more about these in the future. how much fuel and what's the endurance roughly. also does it increase your ias?

[@PureGlide]

Thanks yeah good things to cover in the next one, cheers

[@skyearthocean5815]

Are you seeing many electric motogliders yet? That's kinda my dream, fly solely on lift, and the sun, and lift is also from the sun when you get right down to it.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah we've got several electric gliders in NZ, one even can self launch. Stay tuned for future videos!

[@ronaldglider]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2PGdaqah5t1itU shows electric take off

[@skyearthocean5815]

@@ronaldglider Nice! I think I want one!

[@Johan-ex5yj]

@@skyearthocean5815 This is the one I want : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJSzdH-Grr2Cj6c

[@skyearthocean5815]

@@Johan-ex5yj Nice! Does anyone make a two place so you can take someone up?

[@janschatteman3873]

Great instructive vid. Any comments on maintenance requirements and costs for a sustainer? Keep the right side up!

[@PureGlide]

Good questions, I'll think about answering those for part 2!

[@jonathanpope81]

Thanks

[@PureGlide]

No problem

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

In the uk a glider like yours is still a glider, but if it can self launch it requires a motor glider licence PPL SLMG. Which is more costly than learning to glide.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah a sustainer doesn’t require much more than a normal glider license here too

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Have you ever tried to take off with a sustainer??? I've GOT to get a glider before I get too old...wanted one my entire life, since I was a kid!

[@PureGlide]

No I haven't, but I know people have. The tricky part is getting it started on the ground...

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

@@PureGlide You totally should dry it! Take bets on how long it takes (or will it take off???)

[@peterkonrad4364]

channel name: "pure glide" video: let me show you my motor. hm. also: since when do two stroke engines have turbos? never heard of that.

[@PureGlide]

;)

[@keldon1995]

Love the videos, would like to know if that little retractable engine could be used for take off. I assume not because of the way it's starts

[@PureGlide]

Hi correct, this one can’t because it doesn’t have a starter or throttle. However they do a make a version that does self launch. It’s the Ventus cM

[@laughingdog6010]

Nice glider

[@PureGlide]

Thanks!

[@laughingdog6010]

@@PureGlide I used to tow glider pilots in California years ago. I’m thinking now that I’m old I just might try it myself. I’m thinking about putting it on my bucket list. I’ll pray on it. Thanks for your video.

[@LordyG]

Well there goes the glider engine joke when I get asked what I'm collecting 🤔

[@PureGlide]

haha sorry about that

[@grantc8353]

Great, now I need a glider.

[@PureGlide]

Excellent my plan is working :)

[@wun1gee]

I like the XT90 charge port lol

[@PureGlide]

They are gone! I didn’t like the panel mounts for them. Replaced with XLR mounts, much sturdier

[@wun1gee]

@@PureGlide I just thought it was interesting to see them in an application other than RC stuff, which is where I use them all the time!

[@ambiention]

Matamata?! Smashed my share of bugs in that circuit doing touch-and-goes in a 152. Crazy coincidence from a random youtube suggested video

[@PureGlide]

What a coinkidink!

[@k6chris675]

really useful video, thanks. Is there much difference between a cT and a bT?

[@PureGlide]

A few differences, a slightly different wing profile but the main difference being a different airbrake system. The cT has the standard 'schempp-hirth' style brakes that all modern gliders have, while the b and bT used trailing edge flap brakes. The cT also came with 15 and 17.6m configuration, while the b I think had 16.6m extensions.

[@sarcasmo57]

Neato!

[@PureGlide]

Thanks!

[@ronaldglider]

Thanks 4 another great video, mate! I *never* understood why the glider companies decided to use the name turbo to mean *less* power. Highly confusing: turbo means you can't take off

[@PureGlide]

Good question! Never thought about it properly :) It's probably a german word that starts with T anyway, and not actually Turbo... like L for the flap is actually the German word for "Slow", not english "Landing". Or maybe simply it's more turbo than nothing?! Who knows. Not me, that would require research...

[@soaringhal]

@@PureGlide "Turbo" as in "speed yourself home" perhaps, so in a sense "more power" when the soaring conditions have deteriorated?

[@robinlange93]

L for the flap is most probably short for Landeklappen = landing flaps, although it really might be Langsam = slow, but I think that would be weird. In cars turbo is a mode where more fuel is injected for a power boost, so I would say it means power boost compared to gliding.

[@thepittsstops5146]

Hey I love this Idea. Especially in a glider. All that redundancy... Personally I think it should be a pusher motor/prop mainly because of the flipping blades. The reason I say that, the propeller would not act as drag only as a pusher if you have a tail wind. If course it would need a starter.. Just an opinion🙂 Stay awesome brother! Amazing content btw brother!

[@PureGlide]

Hi thanks mate! PS there is never a tail wind, the wind is always coming from the front as the glider is always moving forwards through the air. Unless I'm doing something extra impressive :)

[@thepittsstops5146]

Yes sir, that makes perfect since. My apologies. Really cool glider though 😎 Also, thank you for your response.

[@DefectivePotato95]

you should install a pylon switch bypass so if you see the engine is up but the switch is not pressed you can still turn it on.

[@PureGlide]

Wouldn’t be a stupid idea! Luckily it’s been working reliably for 35 years (probably time for that switch to stop working!)

[@richardnightingale9086]

Very cool….

[@PureGlide]

Thanks!

[@coccoborg]

Very interesting! do electric options exist? that would eliminate the need for a dive, sure batteries would probably last 10-20 minutes to keep weight down, but maintenance would be much lower!

[@PureGlide]

They sure do, unfortunately I can only afford 35 year old gliders :) If you buy a new one though you can get electric sustainer or self launch these days. Subscribe for future videos where I show them!

[@coccoborg]

@@PureGlide cool! Seeing how much brushless DC motors have improved for RC planes, I would have expected it :) And don't worry, your "35 year old glider" looks killer to all of us who can only dream of something similar! Cheers from Italy and thanks for the reply

[@glike2]

Ground Effect should make powered takeoff on paved road easier.

[@PureGlide]

True!

[@alessandrotorboli3782]

I now want a glider

[@PureGlide]

Excellent my cunning plan is working

[@robertboykin1828]

I commend you on your desige. A lot of hrs spent on this. I suppose it''s better than a coupla jato bottles.

[@PureGlide]

Oh thanks! You know I didn’t make this eh? It’s a commercial product :)

[@joeevens1368]

Not exactly cheating in a contest, but having the power option is an advantage for those equipped. Not because one couldn't land out in some unknown and not inspected field, but because one would not, in many cases, opt for an outlanding, but instead, be much more conservative to avoid the inconvenience and possible unseen problems inherent in landing out.

[@PureGlide]

Yip! Exactly right.

[@Jopesi04]

Great vid Tim! Taking off with a Turbo will invalidate the insurance of course plus the climb rate would be awful thus making it almost certain you would need to make a claim.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah I guess it possibly could! I assume once you're off the ground you're operating as normal...

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

"Taking off with a Turbo will invalidate the insurance". I am not disputing that, but why is that?

[@Jopesi04]

@@alexanderSydneyOz well your answer is in the original statement. A sustainer engine is not powerful enough to take of safely, they are not designed to take off. What insurer worth his salt would in his right mind cover such an act!

[@pauldonnelly7949]

Hi, liking your content. Quick question regarding flying an engine equipped glider, do you need a different licence? Say a PPL? Keep up the good work.

[@PureGlide]

Hi yes we have our own training system and glider pilot license, which can be converted to a PPL-G if we need an official CAA qualification for overseas use.

[@tomashortig6547]

About the folding blades: How do they stay straight when using the engine? Is the centrifugal force enough? Or do the blades need some counterbalance to keep them unfolded? Maybe they have like a centrifugal lock in the hub?

[@PureGlide]

Yeah it takes very little to make them spin and flip out, and then the airflow puts pressure on them. Cheers!

[@nicov.2151]

With the available lipo battery technique you might consider a brushless engine..much more powerful les complicated.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah funnily enough buying a new glider these days you can buy electric ones. But the range isn't quite the same. 150km vs 450km. That and my glider is 25 years old, so didn't quite have that option when it was purchased :)

[@PureGlide]

Stay tuned for future videos that talk about other types of gliders including jet and electric...

[@nicov.2151]

@@PureGlide ah yeah 25 years ago i head a flashlight with a little crank on it to produce electricity

[@jayreiter268]

Do they still fly at Dunstable Downs? I remember watching in the sixties. They used a Jeep with a capstan on the rear to launch.

[@jayreiter268]

My error I see you are not in the UK

[@PureGlide]

Hi yeah all New Zealand on this channel! Cheers

[@rienkvandenberg]

Are the blades extended only by centrifugal force? Even if they push air backwards? Or is there some kind of locking mechanism in de center of the hub?

[@PureGlide]

Centrifugal force only! Cheers

[@szybowcem]

Definitely I agree engine on the competition is not cheating but... it gives mental advantage that more risky option (potential outfield landing) is easier to choose.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah agreed. Also the pressure to to not land out for inconvenience is not as great, so you tend to push further, or later into the day. I almost put that in the video too, but was getting too long...

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

I was thinking the blades would start to close forward from the wind generated once the engine was started. I guess the force is great enough to keep the blades in position. Interesting the same.

[@PureGlide]

How is it the last 20 comments have all wondered the same?! And I’m not sure why it is, but it seems to work just fine. I imagine the centrifugal force would keep them out?

[@doc-nobody-glider]

Having a Plan B is always a bright idea :-)

[@PureGlide]

Exactly!

[@DaveNadlerYO]

@@PureGlide Plan B is if the engine starts. Plan A is always a safe landing!

[@SPQRTempus]

Does the high thrust line cause a sudden pitch down moment on engine startup or is the pylon sufficiently canted to counter it?

[@PureGlide]

Good question! It’s very close to the center of gravity. I’ve never noticed any nose pitch when it kicks in, but you do feel the acceleration. It’s not extreme :)

[@thoyo]

@Pure Glide Are there any gliders with self-launching AND sustainer engines? Any you would recommend?

[@PureGlide]

Yeah all those with self launching glider engines can use the engine as a sustainer too. Pull it out and use it anytime basically.

[@thoyo]

@@PureGlide thanks!

[@Jason-33W]

Do you have any input to the gliders now with the turbine engines? They seem pretty good and hardly any drag according to the manufacturers.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah I'd like to make a video on jet engines, once I've got a bit more footage of them

[@stephenstead6333]

Good thing to havev

[@PureGlide]

Sure is!

[@blackmancer]

i reckon a pulse jet would be a cool alternative

[@PureGlide]

Would be interesting! We have jet gliders, but not pulse jet :)

[@davidpawson7393]

If the blades pivot forward and are designed to propel the aircraft forward how do the blades not try pivoting forward from the "lift" they create? Does the centrifugal force overcome the thrust produced? I really hope that made sense.

[@PureGlide]

Yeah it doesn’t make sense, except you are right, the centrifugal force is more powerful than the lift force. Well must be, as it works!! Cheers!

[@demetriostsillas8981]

Do you use the sustainer to help get to altitude after a low winch launch?

[@PureGlide]

Yeah absolutely, very handy for that!

[@brcosmin]

How about the new LS4 jet gliders, can those take off on their own? Have you tried one?

[@PureGlide]

Generally the jet gliders can’t self launch, because they need air going through them to make enough thrust. Also they need to overcome a lot more friction on the ground. But you could use a car to get them moving!

[@brcosmin]

@@PureGlide Interesting, thank you for the reply! Great channel with quality content that helps me learn more about gliders. Looking to start glider after PPL, even if it sounds a bit backwards. Take care.

[@michaelbeary]

So if your engine ever went out, you'd have the embarrassment of having to tell the tower that you're a glider and your engine is out

[@PureGlide]

"My damn engine has stopped working again! I'm going down... really slowly". Actually I can't talk to air traffic control with the engine going, need to get a headset thing for that!

[@michaelbeary]

@@PureGlide Removing the headset is a prudent social distancing measure. This aircraft is a model of safety, hats off to you, siir! Seriously, though, it must be nice not to need a headset. I fly helicopters, I'd be deaf.

[@sixstringedthing]

Had a good chuckle at this one! "Are you declaring an emergency? Do you require immediate clearance for landing?" "Maybe in a bit. It's quite a nice day up here, I'll get back to ya."

[@RockSleeper]

what is that whistling/constant tone that gradually raises and lowers in pitch then sometimes does a intermittent beeping pattern?

[@PureGlide]

That is our variometer. It tells us if we’re gaining or loosing energy, and it makes noise so we can keep our eyes out the cockpit window. I’ll make a video on them soon!