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Launching methods

For gliders, the typical launch methods are hand launch, bungee, hand tow, or winch. For electric aircraft, these are hand launch, ROG (Rotate off Ground) or bungee!

Hand launching a glider may be because you want to fly straight into slope lift. Usually you will launch from the top of a hill with a strong push straight into the rising air. Once you can fly your 2  channel glider you can launch it at the slopes at our field in favourable winds.

There are also dedicated hand ;launched gliders available. These are usually very light (around 10 to 14 oz) around 1.5m span and can be launched either javelin style by flinging from the fuselage or discus style (DLG or discus launched glider) by flinging from one wingtip. These are small, sensitive and fragile gliders, and therefore not suitable for beginners, however could be a great second model.


Bungee Launching

 

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.