I've launched many a time from a grass strip without a wingman. Of
course the glider will have a tendancy to turn toward the down wing,
but you simply correct for that with rudder as the low wing starts to
come up. However there are variables that may make things different
for you. For example a good strong tug can make a huge difference in
your ability to safely launch with a wing down. If you can't
accelerate quickly then you are likely to be pointed far off course
before your wing starts to come up. We fly with a 180 HP SuperCub at
sea level. Also, I fly from a grass strip so dragging a tip on the
ground is no big deal. Lastly some wing tips have skids that might
have more of a tendancy than others to "grab" the ground beneath them.
Look at one of the LS gliders as compared to a Schleicher to see what
I am talking about.
Bottom line is that it can be safely done under the right
circumstances, and in fact I personally encourage you to practice it.
This could make the difference between being able to fly, or not, if
you are short handed at the gliderport some day.
Respectfully,


(Jerz Rossignol) wrote in message om...
Hi Guys,

I'm curious if any of you guys have ever tried to self launch with no
wing man on a cg hook only glider. I have skids on my wingtips as
well. Would you put the wing that's on the ground further forward at
start? What's the technique!!
I think this is why having a cg hook is a disadvantage.

Regards,

Jerz