TOMORROW - Ground Handling Clinic
18 Jul 2010 - 00:00
18 Jul 2010 - 14:00
It looks like tomorrow will be slightly too windy to fly, so we're holding a ground handling clinic. Local wind expert, Windy John, will be leading us through the various tricks for controlling the **&^%$$%^&* thing when it's strong.
We'll be dealing with refining standard launch and collapse techniques, how gliders vary and need alternate techniques and practice those techniques, such as use of front and rear risers, french style launch, cross wind lay-out, mushroom launch, back fly, cobra launch and anything else we can make up as we go along.
All pilots and coaches are welcome.
Meeting at Airworks for coffee at 0900 ish.
Dave
Thank you!
John and Dave,
Thank you very much indeed!
The session this morning was very very useful. I think I still have some work to do on the cobra launch, but at least now I know how it's *supposed* to work!
Sam
No need for any sort of snakes
Sam, there is never a need for a "Cobra",or any other strong wind launch in paragliding!
If you need to use it, then you are either a pilot with thousands of hours who know exactly what the score is, or you are trying to fly in the wrong conditions.
I though that cobra stuff in the original post was just a hook? I didn't think it would be expounded as a useful technique for beginners?
If you can't launch using your normal technique, from the top of the hill, then don't fly.
Agreed
I agree, with my level of expertise, I wouldn't actually attempt to use the Cobra launch. If it's too strong to launch, it's too strong to fly.
Practising at the bottom of caburn however, it was a useful exercise to help develop my ground handling skills. ie. Understanding which lines to pull, and when.
Sam
Cobra launching
I wrote a reply to this thread earlier, but it has evaporated, so here it is again:
The cobra launch is a very useful tool for ALL pilots.
The cobra launch is a tool to allow the pilot to deal with anything other than controlling their wing prior to launch or after landing.
To see what I mean, try gettting a wasp out of your flying suit while hooked-in on top of Caburn in soaring conditions with the glider nose up. Now catch the wasp, put it back in your suit and repeat with the glider nose down and the brakes on the keepers.
You will observe that the glider sits peacefully in this configuration in the strongest of winds.
On landing in strong winds it should be one of the first considerations, especially if the glider has started to get a little off line: simply pilot it in a controlled manner onto its nose then release the brakes.
When you are ready to re-launch, just cobra it up. It is a safer technique than having the glider nose up!
Why, in summary?
- Inflation is more controlled and progressive.
- far less chance of being pulled off your feet.
- less chance of overshoot and deflation.
- glider is docile when inverted.
- unlikely to get dragged prior to launch.
TTFN
SteveP SHGC Safety Officer
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AIRWORKS PARAGLIDING & HANG GLIDING
The Old Station
Glynde
BN8 6SS
info@airworks.co.uk
www.airworks.co.uk
I must be missing something...
Steve,
It maybe a good tandem launch for tandem pilots flying in strong winds (when solo pilots shouldn't be flying) I wouldn't know.
But, of all the Pilots in the Southern club, that regularly fly big XC, None of them, as far as I'm aware, ever intentionally use this technique for launching?
Some, if the winds are strong, including myself, occasionally control their glider on landing using something similar but that is not what you talking about.
It is very important for people to know how to contol their wings in strong winds, using what ever flavour tecinque they're happy with. However, this does not mean that because they can do this, they should take off.
The only exception I've heard (and I'm hesitating here) is flying laminar air found near the sea. Then perhaps you can get away with it? But then if you are asking yourself that sort of question ask yourself, do I really truly know what the score is, from experience, not from what you have been told.
Oh and by the way the last guy I saw doing a Cobra launch was "Windy John" (hmmm why the nickname?) at the cliffs, and guess what, he got pulled off his feet?
Tefal
Where did I say fly in winds that were too strong?
The cobra is a technique that all pilots should be familiar with as it makes life easy!
No launch technique exists specifically to enable one to fly when it is TOO windy, though it IS possible to launch using virtually any technique when it too windy if you are adept but stupid.
Many techniques, including the cobra, permit safe launching in conditions which are towards the upper end of the envelope and really comfortable lauching in less demanding circumstances.
Trying to differentiate cobra launching from cobra landing is pointless, they are both facets of the same idea, that of keeping the wing nose down so it remains docile on the deck.
... and even very good ground handlers can mess up a launch now and then. Never throw stones when in glass houses :0)
TTFN
SteveP
----------------------------------
AIRWORKS PARAGLIDING & HANG GLIDING
The Old Station
Glynde
BN8 6SS
info@airworks.co.uk
www.airworks.co.uk
wasp
>To see what I mean, try gettting a wasp out of your flying suit..
...or a fish finger sandwich :0)
TTFN
SteveP
Don't worry Steve (U)
Dave told me to tell you that he'll keep a special place open for you, You know, to perfect your cross slope turkey dance.
mmmm mmm. Come to think og it, it should go well with your mushroom launch!
What? Me imply that I've seen better ground handling on play school?
never!
I'm feeling hungry :-)
Ground Handling Clinic
Great idea Dave, I could really do with brushing up on my ground handling, so will see you there.
I'll also be bringing along tickets for this year's SHGC Summer barbie "Last of the Summer Climbs" hot of the press (literally ouch). Anybody who would like to buy a ticket (£10) can do so tomorrow. Follow the link on the home page for more details of our fab family friendly summer bash.
C