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For thermal soaring or training we recommend a bungee launch. The bungee rubber is hollow surgical tubing of around 10mm diameter. This is connected to nylon fishing line and a key ring attaches to a hook under the belly of the glider. So long as you have placed your hook in the correct position relative to the glider's CoG (Centre of Gravity), you will get a gentle, steady launch which requires little or no control input. You should get sufficient height for a 2 minute training flight, or more if lift is encountered. A hand tow or winch provides a more fierce launch than bungee and in the right wind conditions, superior height. We do not do these launches at our club, however if you enter into competitions these are the normal launch method. Electric powered gliders and many sports electric aircraft are hand-launched either by the pilot or by a helper. More powerful sports or scale electric aircraft can ROG. Bungee launching can provide a more consistent launch especially in no wind, especially for ducted fan powered electric aircraft.
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