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Old January 8th 17, 03:20 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Renny[_2_]
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Default Advice on motor glider wanted - FES - Jet - Engine

On Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 7:58:33 PM UTC-7, Steve Koerner wrote:
I side with Bruce. It's pretty obvious to me that FES is the better choice. I believe Bruce left off the most important advantage of FES...

That being the higher inherent reliability of operation. I can't prove it, but my own feeling is that FES would be an order of magnitude more reliable in starting up. And you'll know much more quickly whether it did or did not. The only real downside to FES is the drag that the folded props will introduce. I'm thinking that the tactical benefit of having a reliable motor escape will prove to be well worth the small added drag over the course of a multi-day event.


Steve - Having now flown my LAK-17B FES for 5 years, your "feeling" is dead on. We definitely think alike about the reliability of the FES. After dozens of starts on the ground and in the air, it has never let me down..(knock on wood)! FYI, I am writing an "FES Update" for Soaring magazine, so stay tuned for more info. Thx - Renny