Wanting to start a new glider club

On Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:05:32 AM UTC-7, WB wrote:
On Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 1:00:05 AM UTC-6, John Foster wrote:
Hopefully I’ll have a Ka8b flyable this summer.

What specifically would be a cheap rope alternative to Dyneema (minus the longevity)? Someone mentioned Dacron. Anything more specific?

You can get the equivalent to Dyneema from China fairly cheap. We used Dacron (3/8 inch, I think) for quite a while. We had 4000' and stored it on a surplus wooden cable reel mounted on a trailer. Dyneema (Spectra) is light enough and less bulky so you don't need a big reel.

One of these will hold 6000ft of 3/16" Amsteel Blue and can be cranked readily if there are one or two helping walk in the rope.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...3839_200623839

The cheaper Dyneema from China may be a blend of Dyneema SK65/SK75 fibers. Amsteel Blue is Dyneema SK75. Haven't had time to study the differences yet.

Frank Whiteley

I started a Gliding club, Edensoaring in Cumbria, UK. That was 2007. They still use 'Skyrope' supplied by Skylaunch on their winch. I think it is three stranded high density polyethylene or polypropylene, 10 or 12 mm, but worth asking Mike Groves at Skylaunch. I have my own) (SKY)rope for expedition auto=towing (UKMSG) . Excellent value at approximately 450 dollars for 1000m (3300ft). In club use it does 1000 launches - ON GRASS - before replacement. Easy to splice.

Virtually any rope that will do 1000 launches can be amortized at a reasonable per launch rate. Perhaps even at 500 launches. As with any start up, it's the initial capital costs that bite or are intimidating. Some strategies work well in the UK, other strategies work well in the US.

The first step is organizing. That has some upfront costs, but those can be recaptured quite quickly. There are a number of business models, but John has been advised to follow the examples of Hamilton Soaring Club, Hood River Soaring, and Prescott Area Soaring, all 501(c)(3). The stated goal of Mission Mountain group begs getting the 501(c)(3) determination.

There aren't any real shortcuts, but there are opportunities. There's an EAA chapter 11 miles away and other about 58 miles away. Short distances in that neck of the woods. There are several Rotary clubs within a reasonable radius. The local Boys and Girls Club shows interest, but that, like other youth organizations are generally useful only as conduits for youth who become engaged.

Ropes have trade offs, but this location has a paved runway with runway like, so there are really only a couple of ground launch methods that are workable.

But it's winter, time to muse, seek answers, and plan.

Frank Whiteley