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Old May 5th 09, 03:49 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default Correct way of holding the stick during ground roll?

All the theory behind the above advice is probably correct, but
regardless of who is asking the question, the aircraft being flown,
etc, a simple instruction that is easy for the student to remember
and at the same time encourages the student to fly by reference and
react intuitively to the dynamics of the aircraft movement is:

Keep the wings level and the aircraft running on the wheel in line
with the launch direction. When flying speed is achieved allow the
aircraft to become airborne and assume the correct launch attitude.
This instruction applies to all launch methods and is relevant for any
glider no matter how the controls are rigged or mis-rigged or whether
the glider has a nose or tail wheel. If the student does not
understand these brief instructions then the student should probably
not be attempting the take off until a better understanding of how the
aircraft reacts to control inputs is attained. Put the stick here is
no more effective than turn in to land when you are over the little
house with the red roof.

I guess I am sold on this one as these are the instructions I received
when learning to fly in a mixed launch environment. I later learned a
similar lesson when being checked out for towing on a mixed fleet of
tow planes that had engines that rotated the props in different
directions. The answer to which rudder to favor during the take off
roll was and still is:

The one that keeps the aircraft rolling in a straight line.

For unusual conditions or aircraft the instructor only needs to advise
the student on the likely forces that may affect the take off to allow
the student to anticipate and carry out the necessary corrections.
Teaching flying by reference is what counts in the air and it no less
relevant on the ground.

Andy Gough