In the more than 30 years I have been involved in gliding/soaring I
have had my wing run many times, have run other pilot’s wings, and
have taught novices to run wings for ground and aerotow launches.
At a recent national contest I saw a wing running technique that I had
never seen before. I was so concerned about the way my wing was being
handled that I stopped the launch. I was later told that the method
being used was not only common place but safer than the method I am
used to using.

The two methods are as follows:

Method 1 – Runner stands outboard of wing tip facing in the direction
of launch and holding the wing tip trailing edge with the hand nearest
the glider.

Method 2 – Runner stands close behind the wing just inboard of the
wing tip and holds the trailing edge of the wing with both hands.

Possible advantages and disadvantages of each method

For Method 1:

– Wing runner has one arm free to swing and should be able to run
faster than a person holding a wing with both hands.
– In the event of a tail wind launch the wing runner can start
slightly ahead of the wing (Note that “ahead of” does not mean “in
front of”. The wing runner in this case is still outboard of the tip)
– If wing runner falls he will not obstruct the wing.

Against Method 1:

– None known

For Method 2 (My interpretation of what I was told by those advocating
this method):

– Use of two hands makes it possible to hold a heavy wing that could
not be held up by one hand alone.
– Launch is safer because the runner is not in front of the wing.

Against Method 2 (My opinion):

– Wing runner can fall on the wing at the start of the launch risking
personal injury and potentially causing the glider to ground loop.
– A person holding onto something with 2 hands cannot run as fast as
someone with one arm free.
– If the glider is so badly out of balance that 2 hands are needed to
support the wing the launch should not be started.


What wing running technique is used where you fly and, if it is method
2, can you please explain the advantages over method 1?

Andy