TomKrajci 🇺🇦 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️I must be making good progress wet sanding the glider's wing.
#AvGeek #Aviation #ElectricAircraft #Homebuilt #Glider #DIY #EAA #Paint #Sanding #Polishing #Mess
Shoe BillElectric aircraft is a thing? You said glider; what happens if you run out of power, just glide down?
Good question.
FAA category = glider for this design, not airplane. Some gliders have motors. Some motors are capable of self-launching a glider. Less powerful motors are called sustainers...to keep you up, but can't launch you.
My motor can launch me if I'm not carrying water ballast. If I get something else to launch me, I have enough battery capacity to fly 50km horizontally, maybe a bit more.
The propeller is in the nose and folds along the fuselage when not used, so I only pay a small drag penalty.
99% of the time I'll be a glider.
Never depend on the motor to get you home when lift/rising air fades away...that sets you up for eventual heartbreak.
Gliders pilots manage their height/energy, and pilot judgement is supposed to keep you within gliding range of an airport or farmer's field.
Every glider landing I make is engine-off.
Self-launch example that uses my system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcjEGwRzpOs
Electric self-launch gliders are allowing folks to go on Soaring Safari!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCiqEhCEMPc
Scott VE3QBZ@KrajciTom I feel bad for your multimeter :)