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Old October 9th 13, 05:53 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Soartech
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Default Keep your hand off the release handle during aero tows!

JC wrote:
The answer: either retractable or disposable pogo sticks on the wingtips, or mid-wing. Something that keeps the wings level to 25 mph and then either drops off or retracts into the wing.


Along this line, many self-launchers have small in-line skate wheels on the wingtips so they can start with the wing already touching the runway. Perhaps a simple retrofit could save your gel-coat (or your life).
As for dropable pogo sticks, hang gliders that aerotow often use a 3 wheeled launch cart(with a wide stance)to keep the wing level until it flies away from the cart. No one wants to lift their sailplane into a cart so this won't work for us. :-)