In light or zero wind, the forward launch is the easiest way to get the Paraglider overhead and launch. The benefits are mostly the elimination of the need to transition from facing the wing to running forward. On the negative side, it is harder to see or guide the wing as it ascends to overhead.
Some pilots can even do forward launches with a light tailwind. In the Alps, such conditions are pretty common. It is almost impossible, in reverse launches, to get the wing overhead and transition to forward when there is even a slight tailwind. With a forward, it is not that difficult to just keep running after the wing is up. Knowing your own ability is the key to deciding which launch will work and if the conditions are within your ability.
The variations of forward launches include the following techniques:
- Default Style taught by Airtime of SF
A Riser Lift, followed by Torpedo After draping the risers and speed bar lines over the elbows, the pilot then grabs the A risers at the point just below where the split As are connected (Airtime has a mark on the school wings showing where to grab. The riser is simply pinched between the thumb and index finger and the brakes are held with the remaining 3 fingers. The pilot stands facing forward, a slight squat of the lower body for power, lifting on the A risers in front of the upper chest. Just power forward with a very slight lean of the shoulders and the wing should ascend overhead gracefully. At first, your instructor will confirm the wing is ok and instruct you to transition into a torpedo by dropping your chest and rotating the arms back and up into the torpedo position. After a few tries, you will pause slightly as you continue forward and learn to quickly scan your wing for correct position and confirm it is solid and ready for the torpedo. - Torpedo Style without A Risers in Hand can be done on many wings, especially modern wings. The main benefit is that the wing comes up slower and this reduces the amount of stabilizing of the wing (aka – checking the wing). This technique works great on modern wings, but on flat ground or flat slope launches, the wing might not come up well. Just like the above technique, after the wing is overhead, kite for a second upright to allow yourself to visually check the wing, then return to the torpedo. On steeper hills this can be a great technique if you have practiced it. Please ask if your Airtime instructor if you want to learn this? If often only takes one try.
- Arms out, holding A risers. This technique tries to minimize the offset of pull between the A risers and the B,C and D risers. If done correctly, it works pretty well. Some pilots have injured their bicep tendons if they go too wide with the arms (more likely with some people without flexibility). Pilots need to find a position that does not risk the overpowering of the power to help the wing come up. Airtime does not teach this method, but will support students that have learned this elsewhere.
For each of the above, if a pilot is launching alone, while the wing is overhead and being stabilized with the brakes, the pilot should come upright, out of the torpedo (for either “torpedo style” launch methods) and do a quick visual of the wing. During class training, I can be a spotter for the first several launches. This visual is to look for wing deformity caused by a friction knot or twig caught in the lines. Friction knots are easier to see by looking for deformities of the airfoil. In addition or as a better way of looking for a line or other issue with the wing, it is good to have someone watch the wing and have them shout “ABORT!” if there is any issue with the wing, lines or issue with the launch.
As important is that in the torpedo position, make sure you do not lean or fall forward. Instead just bend into the correct torpedo position and run with long, narrow strides, keeping balanced above your feet. If you lean or fall forward, it will result in what we jokingly call “The Worm“. The worm, most of the time, can be funny. At some “real world” launches, this can be very hazardous and not so funny. Take off in the torpedo, avoid jumping into your harness, this can be even more dangerous at real world launches. The last video below shows a worm at 50% speed. In early launch attempts, just move in the direction of the wing (if the wing is on your right or pulling you to the right, veer right and visa versa).
Here are 4 videos showing the Launches and techniques.
1st launch – commentary on a few adjustments and minor mistakes.
Below, a video on the Torpedo Launch, following
getting the wing overhead.
