On 8/10/2010 10:07 PM, Derek C wrote:

Snipperoo...

YMMV.

In any event, there's definitely more to wing running than would seem to
be the case to an uninformed, casual observer!

Bob W.

Have you ever launched behind a PZL Wilga or similar radial engined
tug with a huge slow running propeller. The prop wash can be
horrendous and can easily force a wingtip onto the ground when the
wingtip runner lets go, or even while he is still holding it! The
resting on the palm technique probably won't work in this case.

Derek C

The devil is indeed in the details! (Hey! Who said that earlier?!?)

Regrettably, radial engines are pretty rare in the U.S. anymore, at least as
glider tugs go. Though I know the U.S. community has broken more than one
Wilga in tug service, I've never had the opportunity to see a Wilga in the
flesh, or, towed/launched-anyone behind a radial - any radial.

(In fact, I've met but one glider-guider who's towed behind a radial, and that
was a 400hp Stearman pulling a 1-26 [back in the early 1970's]. The low-time
pilot said the climb angle was startlingly/impressively steep, and the 2,000'
agl tow breathtakingly short!)

Bob W.