On Sunday, November 2, 2014 11:09:18 AM UTC-6, Andrzej Kobus wrote:

Kirk, you are simplifying things. What about a situation when the engine develops on partial power. You just don't fly away. You are quickly in very difficult situation.

When I used to fly pure sailplanes and I saved myself down to 600 feet quite safely. I would never attempt to start the engine less than 1500 feet, unless I had a really long field in front of me allowing for all kids of options. In reality since I started flying a self launcher I restart at 1500-2,000 feet depending on terrain.

Jet can also have starting issues as experience suggest. I know of at least one situation when a jet engine in a glider developed only partial power and the pilot barely got away from having a really bad day as he tried to start a bit low. I bet he will never do that again.

AK

Andrzej, I understand the case for a self-launcher, with a much draggier and complicated power system. But aren't the "turbo's" supposed to be simple and easy to start, and have about as much drag as the landing gear when extended? Not having flown either SLS or sustainers, I admit I'm just guessing here.

Kirk