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Old October 7th 03, 02:42 PM
Udo Rumpf
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For me weight is the only issue. I can afford the extra costs and can pay
the extra for maintenance, I am not too bothered by the resale issue. I
have a current PPL and so the SLMG PPL is no big deal. I do like the idea
of being independent and not needing a club launch with its inevitable
waiting around. For me this is the main trade off. Does the weight
disadvantage of a self launcher compared to a turbo offset the advantages

of
time saving, independence and climb rate that you have with the self
launcher?

So really I have a two part question.

1. Turbo vs Self Launcher?


I have experimented with a 7.5 and 8.5 lb/sqft, wing loading, in a pure
glider, which represents in this case the installation of a motor (110 lb)
The difference is very small possibly ~50 feet when topping out at the top
of a thermal.
The only other issue is ground (man) handling.
Go as light as you can. Unfortunately you will only appreciate this after
you switch from a heavy to a lighter motor glider.
Udo