"Mike Schumann" wrote in message
nk.net...
How long of a runway do you need for an effective / safe winch and/or auto
tow launch environment?

Mike Schumann

You also asked about a safe environment.

The glider should always be able to land safely from a launch failure.
That's pretty easy to achieve since the glider will have enough runway to
land straight ahead up to about 400 feet AGL. Above that, a short 360
degree pattern can be flown. The land straight ahead option overlaps
quite a bit with the 360 pattern. The main thing is that a clear area be
available for a glider to land at all times so a pilot dissatisfied with a
launch can just release and land.

I'd like 300 feet of width and a mile or more of length.

Bill Daniels