Launch Methods

Foot launch

The traditional way of launching a hang glider, either running down a hill or off of the side of a mountain.

• Hill launch from Lookout Mountain's big training hill{{#ev:youtube|XRLNTLlo8JY}}

• Mountain launch from Lookout Mountain Flight Park, Georgia, USA{{#ev:youtube|yTt15RiKci0}}

• Training hill flights, Taylor Farm,Virginia {{#ev:youtube|VRAo7HA6IRc}}

Towing

You don't need a hill to get a hang glider into the air. There are a number of different ways to tow a glider.

Aerotowing

An ultralight aircraft can tow a hang glider thousands of feet into the air.

• Aerotow Launches from Wallaby Ranch, Florida, USA
• Collection of AeroTow Launches by Beginner to Intermediate Pilots

Scooter Towing

A modified motor scooter can make an excellent winch, and can pull a hang glider to nearly 1000 feet.

• Tow Launch

• A different view, looking backwards from the glider
• Rear View Scooter Tow Launch

Truck Towing

A truck or trailer equipped with a Payout Winch is a popular launching method in flatland areas.

A Payout Winch can tow HGs up to several thousand feet AGL, and any vehicle with a trailer hitch can be the tow-vehicle.

• It's simple and cheap Junkyard Technology !

A rewind motor can retrieve the towline, before it can hit the ground.

• Mounts in a pick-up truck, or on a trailer.

• Truck Tow Launch

• Another Truck Tow Launch<-check the line available, on that reel!

• Rob McKenzie's questions to ask before TT Launch

• The Truck Gets Little {{#ev:youtube|rrlxSs9-hLI}}

• Platform towing with Martin Henry in Mansfield:
  • Martin Henry towed on his VR
  • Good day towing in mansfield (video by Luc)
  • Mia tows her ATOS VS on L-Road Towsite near Mansfield WA
  • Randy goes towing his Klasic on L-Road
  • Here' a onboard view truck towing in mManfield WA (video by Luc)
  • Mansfield hanggliding (video by Luc)

Boat Towing

The same payout winch used in truck towing works just as well from a boat.

• Boat Tow First Solo