Seeking Self-Launching Intelligence

Thatcher Smith wrote:

I am considering purchasing a self-launcer, likely in Ventus, ASH26, or
DG808 guise and would like to know:

-do those of you who operate these or similar machines ever lose
soaring days due to malfunctions in the power system?

Yes, though the losses can be reduced by taking a tow. In my 11 years of
owning my ASH 26 E, I've only lost a couple days, but that's partly that
depends on when and what problem occurs. Most of the problems were in
the first 3 years; the last 8 have been uneventful.

The AD history of a particular model will give you an idea of how much
it might have lost over the years; however, many ADs don't immediately
stop a glider from flying, but give it some time to comply. The repairs
can often be scheduled for minimum impact.

-are there large price and/or operating cost differentials between
these three?

No, they are very similar in operating cost and price; however, the Solo
2 stroke engine powered Ventus and DG 808 have had more trouble in the
last few years than the Wankel rotary (by Diamond Aircraft) engine
powered ASH 26 E.

-are there reliaibility differences?

In the last few years, yes, but perhaps the latest fixes for the Solo
engine should close the gap with the Diamond Wankel engine. The future
lies ahead of us, of course, and surprises may be waiting, as owners of
the previous generation of motorgliders will be happy to point out.

-are there build quality/longevity differences?

Glider or engine?

-is it difficult to find informed persons to service the power system?

I can't speak for the Solo crowd, but it is to some extent for the
Diamond engine. Even so, anything that does not involve the internals of
the engine can be handled by a competent mechanic (or appropriately
supervised owner); if the problem is internal, it has to go back to the
factory. On the West Coast, Rex Mayes of Williams Soaring can handle
everything but the internals, and likely High Country Soaring in Minden
may also be able to. I'm sure there are others on the East Coast and
elsewhere.

What makes this acceptable to the ASH owners is an internal problem is
quite rare, and the occasional external problem is generally easy to
deal with.

For more resources, visit www.motorglider.org, the website of the
Auxiliary-powered Sailplane Association (ASA). There are lists of owners
groups you can visit, and if you become an ASA member, you can post
questions on the ASA newsgroup. And be sure to download "A Guide to
Self-launching Sailplane Operation" from the site, which covers the
things the pilot should know for safe and effective operation.

--
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA

www.motorglider.org - Download "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane
Operation"