Originally posted by CynicOwl
did it !
I went to the field last week and tossed it off the hill. The controls were less responsive than I expected, except the elevator. I was a little scared to stall so I was going really fast. I was struggling to keep it level against the smallest gusts of wind, but nothing bad happened.
I landed it a moment later without problem. It seemed to stabilize itself when close to the ground (!?!?), I don't know why, maybe because of the slower speed?
I tossed it about ten times, getting better every time, no crash, only 2 hard landings but nothing broken. This is great! I'll to try the hi-start this weekend!
I am very excited to hear of your positive experience. You see I just took delivery of my first glider, a Great Planes Spirit 2 Meter. So I will be doing exactly what you are doing.
This past weekend it was 12 hand launches to learn how to throw the plane, work on the trim and balance and to generally become familir with it.
This weekend after a dozen more hand throws, I hope to borrow a hi-start to do my first gentle hi-start launches, exactly as I described to you.
Take is slow and you will do great.
One tip on the hi-start. When you are ready to launch, be sure to give hte plane a good push to help it get up to speed. Don't make the hi-start do all the work. It will launch better AND it will take stress off the plane when you get to stronger launches.
Good luck and safe flying to you!