I had one sailplane last fall and it was a 2 meter electric. I am buying a true sailplane from a guy and he has a high start that goes with it. I have never seen a high start launch before. (I am a power guy with 2 gassers and other big glow engine planes). I LOVED that glider, and I hope this one will be as enjoyable. (I did something stupid and crashed it) I have been studying web sites and I have seen some sketches of how to lauch with a high start. Do any of you know of any sites that have videos of the high start launch?? I need to see the action of what is happening. .... thanks....lownslo.

If you know how to fly, a highstart is cake.

I use a beginning rule of thumb of one step per inch of wingspan. So you should have about 60-75 strides for your 2 meter on the first flight and if the tow seems weak (you run out of energy before it gets to the top of the launch) then take it back the full 78 steps. Then adjust based on the results you get., The more wind you have, the less steps you need.

Launch the plane level, about 30 degrees nose up and THROW it, don't just let it out of your hand. That way you have the least chance of stalling the launch.

It should track straight up by itself, but correct with rudder if it starts going off to the side. You shouldn't need much (if any) elevator to get it to the top of the tow. As you become experienced mat it, you can experiment with the elevator to see if you can get a higher launch.

If it weaves severely side to side, the towhook is too far back, it it climbs at a very shallow angle, the towhook is too far forward. It should climb out, straight as an arrow at, about 60-70 degrees. If you have to move the towhook, do it about 1/8"at a time and fly between changes. Kit positions are pretty close.

Enjoy, you don't need no steekin' video.

But if you feel you still do, go here: http://www.radiocarbonart.com/Pages/mainrca.html

they have the best videos I have seen.

Don

I'd just like to double stress this point. I've seen far too many models tossed with a whimpy release type deal and they get dragged belly first for about 10 feet in a fullly stalled state and then whip around and crash. All the while the puzzled pilot just says "... but there was LOTS of pull".

It's a hard thing to do when the line is pulling like crazy but you need to forget the line pull and focus on a javelin like throw and follow through.

It's not so important with a light 2 meter model but if you can develop good habits now it'll pay off big time later with that super duper full house open class model with the higher wing loading and overall higher weight that is not so tolerant of sloppy launching.

Search on

to use a hi-start

and posts by aeajr

you will find exactly what you asked for.


Or go to this article

http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=52

Great info everyone!! Thanks.....lownslo