chickenhawk 0 #1 October 13, 2005 I have been reading the posts on dropzone.com for some time now along with the ones located at canopypiloting.com. I first wanted to thank all of you for the great information that you have provided. I have recently become interested in starting ground launching in an attempt to enhance my canopy piloting abilities. I came across a recent post that I wanted some feed back on. http://canopypiloting.tempwebpage.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=3666;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest= My questions are do you think it is necessary to take a ground launching course or is it something that you can be taught by someone local. Or is there any literature on the subject that I can read to try to educate my self. I have seen other posts on parachute types, but I was wandering if I could get some feedback from people who have flown canopies designed for ground launching. How much experience should you have prior to flying a GLX, or a GLS. I appreciate all advice, thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanopyPiloting 0 #2 October 13, 2005 The GLX (Ground Launch Extreme) is a very high performance wing reserved for pilots who already fly cross braced canopies. The GLS (Ground Launch Sport) comes in two different models suited for beginner and intermediate pilots. There is much to learn from ground launching but it should not be taken lightly. A qualified Paraglider is not a skydiver, a qualified skydiver is not a paraglider and ground launching low aspect ratio canopies is neither of those sports. It is possible to teach yourself to launch but it is also more likely you could hurt yourself or not progress in the manner you probably want to. If you are intrested the Ground Launch Center in California offers a complete training program with a pilot proficiency rating system. GLC camps and classes are offered for each level of the program including GL-1. GL-2, GL-3 & GL-4. You could learn things like: Site selection & terrain association -Canopy layout/pre-flight inspection -Forward and reverse launch -Ground handling & kiting -Switching forward to reverse -Calm, light & high wind inflations -Variation cross-hand technique -Varying slope angles & launch tricks -Crosswind launches -Controlling your flying speed -Side hill landings & traversing -Aerodynamics -Venturi effect & the acceleration of airflow -Active piloting -Adiabatic layer & handling low altitude lift -Stalls -Recovery techniques -XC flying You can check out the "Ground Launching" forum at www.canopypiloting.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superstu 0 #3 October 13, 2005 get some coaching from slaton and duane at the GLC, then go have fun. it'll be easier on your body if you do, and less frustrating.Slip Stream Air Sports Do not go softly, do not go quietly, never back down Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frost 1 #4 October 13, 2005 If you are going to learn and do it yourself, check this link: http://www.bigairsportz.com/art-groundlaunch.phpSoFPiDaRF - School of Fast Progress in Downsizing and Radical Flying. Because nobody knows your skills better than you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fab777 0 #5 October 13, 2005 What kind of canopy is suitable? I mean, I wouldn't try my Crossfire 109 in the 1st place ( also that may be fun, and is the objective to reach ), but will a 7 cell, low aspect ratio work? I'm thinking of my BASE canopy... Fabien BASE#944 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #6 October 13, 2005 It will work. Back in the mid 1980's I was ground launching Cruiselites (220 sq ft, 7 cell, F-111) off Lion's Head in Cape Town. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fab777 0 #7 October 13, 2005 Cool. What kind of slope ( I mean how steep ) do you think I'll need? Fabien BASE#944 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frost 1 #8 October 13, 2005 From my understanding any canopy can be used. But the more loaded/higher performance ones will need a steeper slope. During summer time, i'd think local ski places would be suitable (i am in the North Eastern US). They charge a nominal fee for a day lift ticket for hikers and mountain bikers. May be a paragliding launch site can be used? Just make sure you check for turbulance and winds if you are choosing a site on your own. I myself would love to hear from people in my area NY-NJ who have found local ground launch sites.SoFPiDaRF - School of Fast Progress in Downsizing and Radical Flying. Because nobody knows your skills better than you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sysop 0 #9 October 14, 2005 Quote Back in the mid 1980's I was ground launching Cruiselites (220 sq ft, 7 cell, F-111) off Lion's Head in Cape Town. Anybody have photos about this launches? Cliff or more flatter slope of mountian? QuoteMay be a paragliding launch site can be used? You need a 30-45 degree slope for comfortly launches... But if you not have slopes - see ya! (Don't do cliff lanuch without experience!!!) see attachment... it reverse canopy set-up near base exit.www.speedflying.ru Mountian Fly School Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #10 October 14, 2005 Quote Anybody have photos about this launches? Cliff or more flatter slope of mountian? No Photos, but any pic of Table mountain in Cape Town will show Devil's Peak on the left and Lions head on the right. Launch was from the shoulder. Slope is about 1800ft, about 35 degrees, but has a lot of ridge lift when the North Wester is blowing. It's now a Paragliding launch point - but of course mid 80's was pre paraglider. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sysop 0 #11 October 14, 2005 Quotebut of course mid 80's was pre paraglider. but now we have a canopies with more fly speeds then paragliders.www.speedflying.ru Mountian Fly School Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charmsdroppop 0 #12 October 23, 2005 Wow ..Cheers to you chickenhawk for finding this GLX. I have been searching for a link forever. Ok Mr. Jim Slaton what does one need to do to be in this very needed training camp. Wait....don't run away I am a jumper...one of Roger Nelsons last students. Anyhow will you please let us know when the next training is and get you whatever you need to know about me. Tell JC ihope to see him.***is it dark yet?is it dark yet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charmsdroppop 0 #13 October 24, 2005 Hello, can someone please post dates to register for upcoming Ground Launch Camps? Thanksis it dark yet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #14 October 24, 2005 Go to www.canopypiloting.com and look for Jim (OpeningShock). He's the one holding these camps and he'll set you straight. By the way Ground Launching rocks!!! But it's not safe. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charmsdroppop 0 #15 October 24, 2005 Hey thanks for the info. By the way you can never be too safe can ya? Cheers always.***is it dark yet?is it dark yet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dploi 0 #16 October 25, 2005 Definitely take a course or go with someone who is experienced (at least a few hundred launches) in foot launching SKYDIVING canopies. Out skydiving, BASE, and ground launching, GL probably has the highest chance of injury (broken bones, big abrasions), etc. I know of too many legs and vertebrae that have cracked apart in the bodies of people who've tried to train themselves. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skygnome 0 #17 May 9, 2006 Wicked. How is life Tonto, still jumping in Cartoonville? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #18 May 9, 2006 Any angle steeper than the glide angle of your canopy will work in no wind conditions. About 30 degrees (or 3 to 1) is a good start. If there is wind coming up the slope, this is ridge lift, and will allow you to launch on shallower slopes, and fly above the glide angle of your wing. When trying to launch, avoid the temptation to run down the slope while on brakes. Allow the canopy to fly until it has airspeed, and at that point a little stab on brakes should lift you away from the ground. Hope this helps. 1985 was a long time ago, but I imagine wind and ground have changed little since then. Good luck. tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
