airport layouts that minimize time-on-runway

Bill Daniels wrote:
The layout that has worked surprisingly well is the turning takeoff roll.
The tug and glider are staged off to the side of the runway, aligned at
about 30 degrees to the runway centerline. On takeoff they accelerate
normally while executing a rolling turn to align with the runway. High
speed exits used in reverse work well.

It looks a bit scary to the uninitiated, but I've done it with my Nimbus
without any problems at all. The wing runner always runs the inside wing to
help with the turn and to avoid runing so fast.

Bill Daniels


wrote in message
ups.com...

Our glider club has good relations with our home airport. The airport
manager is creating a master plan for renovations of runways and
taxiways, and is receptive to ideas that will help create smoother
operations for mixed power and sailplane traffic. One of the key goals
is to minimize the time on runway for sailplane hookups and take-offs.
If you have an example of an airport layout that help in this regard
(perhaps angled taxiways, pull-offs, etc.), please let us know.

--Jay Newell




We use this for a winch operation too - works extremely well and is safe.

The people and stationary aircraft are off the active runway.
Keeps options available for landing aircraft, and the takeoff is straight forward.