On Jan 19, 6:41*pm, TonyV wrote:
Andy wrote:
On Jan 19, 12:56 pm, bildan wrote:
*Wing down takeoffs should NEVER be used with a CG hook

Why not? *Works just fine for unassisted aero retrieve with my stick
on wing tip wheel. *Would I prefer to have a wing runner - sure, but
NEVER is far too strong a prohibition.

Agreed. I like the stick idea but I manage to need a GC hook unassisted
take off once or twice a year during an aero retrieve (LS-6). The trick
is to anticipate the wingtip drag and angle the glider slightly away
from the down tip. Grass needs more angle than pavement.

Tony V.

You guys can't believe how nasty a ground loop can be when a wing tip
catches and the glider is being pulled with he CG hook. A nose hook
will help keep you straight if a tip digs in. A CG hook will just
accelerate the ground loop. If it happens with enough speed (or power
in the case of a winch launch), you'll likely end up inverted - and
dead.

There's no way I'd attempt a takeoff without a wing runner using my CG
hook - wing stick or no. I stand by never - with emphasis!

Bill Daniels