Tom Seim has assured me he will update this article

The following applies primarily to high performance, self-launching sailplanes, not the more airplane-like touring motorgliders such as Grob 109, Taifun,Phoenix, etc., that have much different characteristics.

Introduction

The motor that gives the motorglider its opportunities also exacts additional responsibilities. The towpilot is no longer responsible for the safe operation of the launch vehicle: you, the motorglider pilot, is now responsible. These extras include the:

• maintenance of the engine and its systems
• preflight of the engine and extension mechanism
• fuel and oil
• ground operation (starting and taxying)
• entire launch operation
• converting back to a glider