2. • Presenters:
– Richard Pearl, CFIG
– Michael Haisten, A&P/IA
• What is a TMG?
• Legal Issues
• The Fleet
• Geography
• Mechanical Issues
• What’s new with the TMGA?
4. Why TMGs:
• Combine soaring and travel
• Fly even when soaring not an option
• Forget the tow-plane
• Carry passengers (most TMGs)
• Fly further; no land outs or retrieves
• Medical self-certification
5. TMG Issues
Legal:
• It’s a Glider, so you need a GLIDER
rating
• AC 61-94
–With a power rating (ground
instruction, 3 flights)
–Without a power rating (5 hours in
TMGs, dual X-C, 10 T.O./Landings;
need lots more……….
18. Mechanical Issues
TMGs are more a single engine land plane than a
glider.
– Additional systems include:
– Engine
– Fuel systems
– Propeller / Propeller control
– More complex electrical systems
– Navigation systems
19. TMG - Common engines
Limbach – Grob – Sachs
These are VW derivatives
80 to 90 HP
Heat sensitive
Lower cost
****not built from VW parts from the auto parts
store****
Rotax
Purpose-built aircraft engine
80-100-115 HP
More complex with liquid cooling
115 HP is Turbo charged
Higher cost
20. Propellers – Fixed Pitch
Simple construction
Low cost
High drag in “glider mode”
Air starts possible
21. Propellers – Variable Pitch
Many parts:
Manual, Hydraulic, or Electric
control
Climb or Cruise pitch available
Featherablefor reduced drag in
“glider mode”
Air starts possible…..maybe
23. Other Considerations
Glider category VS LSA (Light Sport Aircraft)
Gliders have gone through the FAA certification process
Annual inspections by an A&P with Inspection
Authorization
Rotax can only be maintained by a Rotax trained
mechanic
LSA has lesser certification requirements for the aircraft
LSA requires a higher level of maintenance
All Manufacturers maintenance schedule MUST be
followed
Rotax can only be maintained by a Rotax trained
mechanic
24. Added Complexity
Fuel systems
Fuel tanks, lines and valves
Fuel pumps
Electrical systems
Charging systems
Lighting
Navigation systems
TMG’s tour so they commonly
have aircraft navigation systems
VOR Receivers
DMEs
GPS
Some even full IFR equipped
25. What’s new with the
TMGA?
• Touring Motor Glider Association
Web Site:
www.touringmotorgliders.org
26.
27. TMGA: Where do we go
from here?
• TMGA Seeking formal SSA
Division Status
• Fly-Ins and informal meets
• Fun contests (soaring & fuel
efficiency)
• International participation