How a Glider Engine / Turbo / Sustainer Works

How does an engine work on a glider? Part one shows how the sustainer aka turbo built into the Ventus cT works, how to start it, and what happens if it doesn't start as expected!
👕Gliding T-Shirts, Stickers and Insulated Bottles now Available!

Learn how the engine works, the procedure to operate it, and how you have to dive to use it.

Stay tuned for part two that will include the shutdown procedure and how far you can travel with such an engine!

☁️ SeeYou Cloud 2 month discount off your first year's subscription to, use the coupon code: PUREGLIDE

🌦 SkySight weather forecasting discount coupon code: PUREGLIDE for TWO months discount off your first year of subscription.

😃 Follow PureGlide on Facebook:

☕️ Buy me a coffee! Support the channel with a donation:

📷 Equipment Used to Make this Video:

00:00 Intro
00:28 Opening the engine
01:19 Engine control instrument
02:26 Landing with the engine out
05:01 Engine Procedure
06:48 Info!
07:42 Common Questions
09:24 Conclusion
09:51 Epic Pull-up

[BadYossa]

YT algorithm served this up to me this morning, randomly. Mate, that is so cool. Never knew that was even a thing. Fly safe!

[GTDCarClub]

Flying my Ventus CT from Lasham. Got low so picked a large recently cut corn field. Raised snd started the engine, great, I'm away! 5 seconds later the engine stopped. Lowered the nose and landed without drama. On inspection I had got a kink in the flexible fuel line when I rigged in the morning. Always, always pick a field first before you do anything else.

[PureGlide]

Not in the video, but the shutdown procedure is the following:
- Turn off the fuel. Wait for the engine to stop.
- The blades are still spinning. Lower them for 3 seconds out of the airstream.
- Wait for the blades to stop spinning, check with the mirror.
- Close it completely.
Stay tuned for part 2 to see this in action!

[leslierhodes]

It’s just like an E bike having A battery this little engine is used for assistance to extend your flight time

[DFXKX]

the compression lever is a neat fix. let the prop spin up, then release and it works like an inertia starter. Clever.

[CLdriver]

That decompression lever is a very clever idea! I’ve ‘windmill’ started my ROTAX powered Challenger Ultralight, and the speed required to get the prop turning was well above 85kts due to the high compression of the 2 stroke engine.

[gpenicaud]

I have finally gotten to this zone of Youtube. I have no interest in flying, let alone gliders, yet I here I am watching this when I should be sleeping. Thank you Youtube recommendations.

[croweater]

Very interesting video. I imagined those Engines were there to get you out of trouble at low level. But it seems a fair amount of forward planing is required. Including a dive!!

[secondsofaviation]

This always feeds my interest for glider engines, there arent too many vids anywhere!

[finnvictorsson]

Your videos are very calming, I think it might be the New Zealand accent. Keep up the great work

[kiwiflieger]

Gliding reaches a new level of cool at 9:51!
Awesome video

[damienhughes]

Glad you did this video. I was wondering about the engine.
How does the weight affect it's ability to glide?

[Regulareverydaynormalguy]

Very interesting. I knew that many gliders had auxiliary engines but I never knew they had no starter or throttle. Very basic system. Thanks for sharing this info. Great video!

[SonoranAstro]

thanks for the video :) i seen a glider take off over my house the other day out of one of the busiest GA airports in the world. i was very confused hahaha.

[krzysztofpuszczyk]

There is a very interesting content in this channel. Gratings from Poland!

[jswatts]

Oh, "Hi You Tube", I thought you were saying "Hi You Two". That makes more sense - I was the only one watching! Loving your videos, by the way. I have my RA certificate but always interested in other forms of flying (and simulated glides in an LSA is less enjoyable and more stressful!).

[sixstringedthing]

Great video mate, I had no idea that sustainer engines in gliders were even a thing!
That seems to be true for quite a few commenters but I see that it has not prevented the Certified Youtube Experts from telling you everything that's "wrong" with it. :)
Noticed a couple of comments regarding jet-assisted gliders which perked my interest, given how far compact jet turbines have come along in the past decade or so.
Subbed and hit the bell, looking forward to part two! Cheers from an Aussie born in Ōtāhuhu who is desperate to return to his homeland once this Covid business is over.

[bassett_green]

I love how simple the controls are, since it's not an essential piece of equipment

[patman]

Man having an engine on one of these things just makes so much sense. Just think about it, if you can fly about 8 to 10 hours in one of these gliders. And damn near close to hitting a thousand miles. Just in one glide alone. Having an engine on there could potentially fly you clear across the United States from California to New York, on just one gas tank. Because you don't run the engine the whole way. Hit it for about 5 minutes up to altitude. And you're good for another 8 hours of gliding.

[ronbranham]

Great explanation of the sustainer motor operation! This motor really opens up the territory you can explore! Your prior “Motor to the good stuff” video captures the advantages! Some of your videos show magnificent scenery that appear to have zero options for landing out safely. I am certain having a motor must feel good.
Keep up the excellent work!