SIDE-ARM LAUNCH TECHNIQUE
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You will be surprised by how little force is required to sidearm launch your Alula-TREK to good flying
altitude. Always release your glider into the wind; your launches will be higher and less effort will be
required. Like all techniques... practice makes perfect. Take it easy in the beginning and work on your form.
For frequent, aggressive side-arm launching, make sure to secure the launching wing with tape as shown in
Step 7 on Page 9.
CAUTION:
Exerting too much force during launch can result in injury and/or glider
airframe failure.
Typical Side-arm Launching Sequence (see following page for time-lapse photos of a typical launch)
1.
CAUTION!
When holding the Alula-TREK prior to launch, allow the glider to hang vertical as shown.
DO NOT
raise the Alula's wing horizontally while supporting only the wingtip, as this can damage the
wingtip by creating too much bending stress.
2.
As shown in the image to the right, grip desired
wingtip of the Alula-TREK with four fingers on top
and thumb supporting from below, aligned with
carbon wingspar. Orient your transmitter-
supporting arm into the wind.
3.
While keeping your throwing arm fully extended,
begin launch rotation allowing your arm and
glider to swing into launch trajectory (30-45
degrees above horizon).
4.
Release glider directly into wind, above horizon.
Allow the glider to climb without control input (a
properly balanced and trimmed Alula-TREK
should launch in a straight line without control
input).
5.
Smoothly push the glider's nose over to level flight
when it has just about reached maximum height
and still has sufficient airspeed. If you wait too
long to nose the glider over, it will stall and
altitude will be quickly lost.
Practicing your Side-arm launches on a flat field is a lot of fun.
We like playing "launch and catch" with our Alula-TREKs... It's like flying an RC boomerang!
Bottom line, have fun and enjoy the sun, wind, and your surroundings.
17.
