DISCUS LAUNCH TECHNIQUE
►You will be surprised by how little force is required to discus launch your Libelle to good flying altitude.
Always release your glider into the wind; your launches will be higher and less effort will be required. Like
all techniques... practice makes perfect. Take it easy in the beginning and work on your form.
CAUTION: Exerting too much force during launch can result in injury and/or glider airframe failure.
Typical Discus Launch Sequence (see following page for time-lapse photos of a discus launch)
1. Install included carbon fiber launching peg into desired
wingtip (whichever feels more natural or suits your
particular technique). Some right-handed pilots discus
launch left-handed, as this allows them to keep their
hand on the control stick.
2. CAUTION! When holding the Libelle prior to launch,
allow the glider to hang freely from the Launching Peg,
supported by your index and middle finger as shown to
the right. DO NOT raise the Libelle's wing horizontally
while supporting only the wingtip, as this can damage
the wing by creating too much bending stress.
3. Fully extend your launching arm horizontally, with the
glider hanging freely from the launching peg. For best
launches, and to minimize chance of shoulder and arm
strain, ALWAYS keep your launching arm fully extended
during entire launch sequence.
4. Facing into the wind, begin one complete rotation allowing the centrifugal force to transition the glider
to horizontal flight. You may take a few steps into the wind while rotating.
5. At the end of one complete rotation, release glider into wind, above horizon. Allow the glider to climb
using a bit of up-elevator (ideally using a launch pre-set switch).
6. Smoothly push the glider's nose down to level flight when it has just about reached maximum height and
still has sufficient airspeed. If you wait too long to nose the glider over, it will stall and altitude will be
quickly lost.
►HOT TIP: GOT A LOOSE LAUNCHING PEG?
If launching peg becomes loose in wing from use, rub a thin layer
of instant glue around middle of peg using a paper towel. Wipe
away excess glue, leaving only thin coating of glue. When glue
has completely cured after 5 minutes, test fit in wing. If too tight,
simply sand away glue residue until fit is snug.
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