On Friday, May 10, 2013 6:09:17 PM UTC-6, gb wrote:
Hangglider and Paraglider pilots have been using payout winches for decades. Payout winches are a viable, proven way to get horseless flying machines up in the sky. This isn't a singular redneck with a rope and spool, the Germans payout winch launch their paragliders. Nothing new here folks, no witches to burn, you can come out from under your glider trailers now.

There is a huge difference in speed between sailplanes and paragliders. So much so there is really no comparison.