PPG Take-off's

From: JDANIELE77@aol.com

Hi Ted,

I can relate to your dilemma about taking off, especially in no wind. Out here in the high desert of New Mexico the air is thin and the snakes are thick. Forget the snake part. We launch from a forward position 99% of the time and usually the wind is less than 5 mph.

Even with the low air density we do not run out. We have our glider lain out and we walk out till the lines are tight, but not so tight to roll over the leading edge. We stand in a scissors stance with our arms slightly bent and our hands at eye level and locked in that position. To launch we lean forward taking our first step remember those arms are locked except we allow the arms to move upward as the "A's" pull them up, but do not punch your arms and hands outward this will create a drag chute.

Keep taking steps keeping forward pressure on the glider when the wing is 75% over head begin to throttle to full. Walk out then trot only move as fast as the motor want s move you. Widen your strides as you pick up speed this.

At sea level you should launch this way in nothing flat. Remember a nice even slow but steady pressure as you lean and move forward. The slow steady part gives the wing time to inflate and correct itself and then fly.

Good Luck.

Jerry

This page was last modified on Sunday, March 12, 2006.