Hey all,

I have a new wing I am putting together. No plans, just bought a bunch of balsa and started building. It came out pretty good so far but I am a beginner at this. I know it will fly since it will have a 46 for a power plant but I am a little concerned about the first flight. Has anyone ever constructed something with wheels for a hand launch plane? Seems like the concept is pretty simply. Plane sits on cart till it has enough air speed to take off and wham. Just don't want to reinvent the wheel if someone has already accomplished the task successfully.

Thanks,
dan

http://youtu.be/o136RpOSUOU

You'll have plenty of power to just open your hand and let er rip.
Start out with a low pitched prop like an APC 11x3 or 11x4 to keep the speed down until you get used to it.

TOP TIP

Get some one used to hand launching to do the first launch for you. This allows you to have both hands on the box.

Also if long grass is available launch over the grass.

Short answer is yes. Take off carts/catapults have been built and used with limited success but they pretty well turned into a cluster to use. Unless you have a disability that would prevent hand launching, I would stay away from the cart idea.

With that airplane and a .46, use a low pitch prop to start, and give her a hand launch. As others have said have someone else do it for the first time or two till you get used to it.
A good starting stand is a must.