Motor gliders explained: self-launcher, turbo, FES and electric
Self-launching gliders, sustainers (turbos), FES and electric drives compared: what they can do, which licence they need and what to check before buying.
Why an engine?
An engine makes a glider more independent: a self-launcher needs no towplane or winch, and a sustainer can bring you home instead of landing out in a field. In return the glider is heavier and more complex, and the engine needs maintenance, paperwork and fuel or charged batteries.
The types
- Self-launcher: a retractable engine and propeller strong enough to take off on its own, for example DG-808, ASH 26 E, Arcus M or Ventus 2cM.
- Sustainer (turbo): a smaller retractable engine that keeps the glider in the air or climbs slowly but cannot take off alone; the glider is launched by aerotow or winch, for example Ventus 2cT, Discus 2cT or LS8-t.
- FES (Front Electric Sustainer): an electric motor with a folding propeller in the nose, used as a sustainer; it starts quickly and quietly, and is offered on gliders such as the LAK-17, Ventus 3 or Discus 2c.
- Electric self-launcher: an electric drive strong enough to take off, for example the Antares 20E.
- Touring motor glider (TMG): a fixed engine and propeller, often with side-by-side seats, closer to a light aircraft, for example Grob G 109 or Super Dimona.
Licence
In EASA countries a sailplane licence (SPL) covers sustainers; flying a self-launcher needs the self-launching extension, and touring motor gliders need the TMG extension. Rules and details differ by country, so check with your authority or flight school before you buy.
What to check when buying
- Engine hours, and the hours or years left until the next engine overhaul
- Engine and propeller logbooks, maintenance records and completed service bulletins
- Extension and retraction, belts, propeller brake, engine doors and the cockpit display
- For electric drives: age, charge cycles and remaining capacity of the batteries, and the charger
- Fuel system, tank and lines
- An engine run on the ground, and ideally in flight
An engine adds maintenance, insurance and, for electric drives, the eventual replacement of the batteries. Ask what was done recently and what is due next: it belongs in the price.
More guides
- Buying a used glider: the checklistWhat to check before buying a used glider: documents, airworthiness, damage history, inspection, trailer, instruments, contract and payment.
- Glider classes explainedOpen, 18 m, 15 m, Standard, Club, two-seater and 13.5 m class: what they mean, typical gliders and why many gliders fit several classes.
- Selling a glider: price and listingHow to price a used glider, which documents to prepare, how to take good photos and what to watch out for at the handover.