Auto-tow Launching the Blanik L-13

	          Contents 

                  copyright (C) 2000, 2002, Daniel L. Johnson
                              All rights reserved
		  drdan AT wwt DOT net
Click on the chapter number to open any chapter.

	1  Why learn to auto launch a glider?  (Introductory Essay)
                 
	   1.1	Safety. 
	   1.2	Auto vs. Winch.
	   1.3	Ground launching is "circuit" training.
	   1.4	Low altitude handling.
	   1.5	Safe Airmanship.
	      1.5.1  Become Skilled Before Flying Low.
	      1.5.2  Avoid Trafficked airports.
	      1.5.3  Plan carefully.
	2  Equipment. 
	   2.1	Runway.
	   2.2	Short Runways
	      2.2.1  Bumps versus the tow vehicle.
	      2.2.2  Runway lights versus the glider.
	      2.2.3  Pulley Launch.     
	   2.3	The Glider.
	   2.4	Tow vehicle.
	   2.5	Release hitch.
	   2.6	Rope choice.
	      2.6.1  Testing
	      2.6.2  Rope Longevity
	      2.6.3  Rings
	      2.6.4  Knots and splices
	      2.6.5  Weak link
	      2.6.6  Flags on the launch rope
	      2.6.7  Rope handling
           2.7  Release mechanism
	3  Preparation. 
	   3.1	Wind.
	   3.2	Laying the rope.
	   3.3	Briefing the crew.
	   3.4	Protocol, Signals and Communication
	      3.4.1  Positioning support vehicles.
	      3.4.2  Radios.
	      3.4.3  Positioning the glider.
	      3.4.4  Using the Over-Run.
	   3.5	Airport Traffic.
	   3.6	Launch Procedure.
	4  Abandoning the tow. 
	   4.1	Abort Launch.
	   4.2	Communication Review.
	5  The Techniques of the Auto Launch. 
	   5.1	Preparation.
	   5.2	Ground run.
	   5.3	Liftoff.
	   5.4	Initial Climb.
	   5.5	Initial speeds.
	   5.6	Low rope breaks.
	   5.7	Round-up.
	   5.8	Climb.
	   5.9	PIO.
	   5.10  Autotow redline.
	   5.11  Crosswind correction.
	   5.12  Wind shear.
	   5.13  Roundoff.
	   5.14  Release.
	   5.15  Review.
	6  Landing strategies. 
	   6.1	Precision landing, Ground effect.
	   6.2	Downwind landing
	   6.3	Maneuvering after landing.
	7  Driving the tow vehicle. 
	   7.1	Positioning the tow vehicle.
	   7.2	Towing Speeds.
	   7.3	Coordination between driver and pilot.
	   7.4	Rope retrieval.
	   7.5	What can go wrong while dragging rope?

Suggested Reading:  Available through the Soaring Society of America
merchandise division unless otherwise indicated.

Ground Launches, Derek Piggott, 1996.  A comprehensive review.

American Soaring Handbook, Volume 3: Ground Launch,
William R. Fuchs, Francis P. Bundy (2nd ed.), 1967, 1980, SSA.
No longer in print.

Soaring Flight Manual, SSA.
Chapter 13: Ground Launch Procedures, pp 13-1 to 13-14.

The Joy of Soaring, Carle Conway, SSA.  pp 41-47.

Flying Sailplanes, Helmut Reichmann.
The Winch Launch, pp.41-45. May not be in print.

Glider Pilot's Manual, 2nd Ed., Ken Stewart.
Wire Launching, Chapter 15, pp 115-125.

Ground Launching Sailplanes, Gary Reynolds.
Publisher, availability not known.

Gliding Safety, Derek Piggott.
Winch and Car Launches, pp 34-43.

Understanding Gliding, Derek Piggott.
Chapter 6, Launching Methods, pp 133-145.

Gliding, Derek Piggott.  Chapter 6,
Wire Launching, pp 56-63.  May not be in print.

Copyright © 2000, 2002 Daniel L. Johnson; all rights reserved.