Date: 10 May 93 15:29:12 GMT
From: mikeq@freddy.cna.tek.com
Message-Id: <5055@master.CNA.TEK.COM>
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Redmond,  OR.
Subject: Flexifoil launching (solo)


Solo Flexi launching is quite easy, even with ultralite spars in high 
winds, even with a short (2 or 3) stack.

First you lay out your lines. Then you grab your handles (I prefer
wrist straps), and your kites. Then you walk up and attach your kites.
Then you start walking backwards. The kites will start skidding away
away from you as the wind tries to launch them. When the combination of your
walking backwards and the skidding kites tensions
the lines, they're off!

Much easier on equipment than jerking them around when they're upside down.

This works only on smooth surfaces like sand or grass.

Mike


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Date: Mon, 10 May 93 20:51:07 GMT
From: david@ohm.york.ac.uk (David L Binks)
Message-Id: <1993May10.205107.22522@ohm.york.ac.uk>
Organization: Electronics Department, University of York, UK
Subject: Re: Flexifoil launching (solo)

When I first got my flexifoil (10') launching solo was a BIG problem,
basically I could not do it alone and was annoying to say the least!
The problem is when you try and pull the kite when it is on the
floor the centre bends the wrong way and it deflates and will not
take off.  The problem is made worse by the two heavy 70mm x 8mm steel
pegs and two extra furrels that are used to extend the spar by 140mm
because the kite was built too long! (Tried aluminum pigs first, but
they did not last long). 
Anyway, I digress.  The method I use is to push both ends of the
kite spar into the grass by about 25mm so it sits in an arch:



                       Flexi
            .--------.
           /          \
__________|____________|__________Ground

Lay out the lines, then give a sharp tug.  It will jump into the
air, pause for thought, then your off.  It works about 900f the
time in all good winds.  It sounds a bit hard on the spar but I have
not broken one yet.
     Hope people find this useful.

          Dave Binks   david@glenlivet.york.ac.uk




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