Steve Leonard
September 2nd 05, 11:48 PM
As to the question of 'Should we use a chute?' If
you are using rope (plastic), I think the answer is
a resounding 'NO'. Let it fall to the ground. It
will not kink or snarl. If you put a chute on plastic
ropes, the end will just land further from the runway
in the inevitable crosswind.
Another advantage of the plastic rope for autow towing
is that you can drive right up to the end of the runway
before you back off the gas and the glider has to release.
With metal cables and chutes, you must back off way
before you get to the end of the runway and keep driving
slowly forward in an effort to keep the cable from
snarling as it falls to the ground.
Sonds like you have a great place to ground launch
from. I hope you have lots of fun doing it. I know
I have a hoot doing them (from my van, or in the sailplane).
Steve Leonard
you are using rope (plastic), I think the answer is
a resounding 'NO'. Let it fall to the ground. It
will not kink or snarl. If you put a chute on plastic
ropes, the end will just land further from the runway
in the inevitable crosswind.
Another advantage of the plastic rope for autow towing
is that you can drive right up to the end of the runway
before you back off the gas and the glider has to release.
With metal cables and chutes, you must back off way
before you get to the end of the runway and keep driving
slowly forward in an effort to keep the cable from
snarling as it falls to the ground.
Sonds like you have a great place to ground launch
from. I hope you have lots of fun doing it. I know
I have a hoot doing them (from my van, or in the sailplane).
Steve Leonard