I'm amazed that other aux powered gliders can start at or below 1,000'
AGL and fly away without trashing their engines. The 4-cylinder
turbocharged Rotax in the Stemme needs several minutes to warm up before
pushing it above idle. That means that, in dead air, more than a few
thousand feet are needed for a save rather than a land out. That's why
I always have a *paved* runway within range so that I can land and warm
up the engine before motoring home. Tell me again how convenient that is?

My engine is for take off only on a soaring flight and for repositioning
the glider otherwise. Ain't got no steenking trailer.

Dan
5J

On 4/23/21 6:39 PM, waremark wrote:
On Friday, 23 April 2021 at 15:36:48 UTC+1, jfitch wrote:
If what you said were true, the podium at nationals would be crowded with MG pilots. How many MGs were represented on the podium (or even the top 5) in the last several 18 meter nationals? (hint: none).

I'm amazed. In the 2019 UK 18m Nationals I believe that every one of the 37 gliders entered had a motor.

I have started my motor I think 6 times in 20 years for a retrieve. Every time it was 1500 ft AGL over a paved runway marked on a sectional. The glider is too expensive to stuff into a field and too heavy to carry out of it.

I'm amazed again and impressed. I'm sure you're a brilliant pilot and I'm not. I start my engine for a retrieve several times a season, generally raising the prop at 1,000 foot over a field. If I was over a paved runway, and not conflicting with other traffic, I would probably go lower with the intention of landing if I couldn't soar and taking off again. I believe I am quite prudent compared to other motorglider pilot friends.