I'm intrigued by SteveK's mention of paraglider towing by Jim at Highland. I know that a lot of Hang Gliders get towed, but I'm not familiar with any done around here for paragliders. As a paraglider I've got a few questions:
How would I get a tow rating?
Where would I go to get a tow rating?
Are Highland and Blue Sky both towing options for paragliders? Are there others around here?
When would I rather tow rather than go to one of our normal launching sites?
How high would I get when I release?
What's the likelihood that I would be able to soar/thermal once I release?
What does it cost?
How safe is it relative to a launch at Woodstock or Pulpit or Bill's Hill?
Has Tad ever done a paraglider tow?
What have I forgotten to ask?
Charlie
Paraglider Towing
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
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pink_albatross
- Posts: 599
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 12:20 pm
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Re: Paraglider Towing
When to tow:
well... when the winds are too light/too strong and/or from the wrong direction for the mountains, the tow parks might be a good alternative. They are far enough away to possibly see a different and more suitable weather pattern.
In the winter it might be less cold to parawait at sea level.
You'll get the chance to make friends with HG folks, who often don't turn up when it's light enough for PG in the mountains.
If you want to work on spot landings for example, the turn around is super fast. Tow, fly, land, walk over to the tow rig and repeat.
Highland and Blue Sky are the only towing operations around here, AFAIK.
Safety: i'm not getting into *that* discussion. Probably much safer than launching at Woodstock or the Pulpit, considering the tow operators involved. Okay, I guess I got into it.
You can definitely soar at Blue sky. Release around 1000 feet, although Matthew has gotten to 1300, I believe.
You are probably too low to catch anything at Highland. I think the max tow there is 500 feet and often much lower, so I hear.
-- ellis
well... when the winds are too light/too strong and/or from the wrong direction for the mountains, the tow parks might be a good alternative. They are far enough away to possibly see a different and more suitable weather pattern.
In the winter it might be less cold to parawait at sea level.
You'll get the chance to make friends with HG folks, who often don't turn up when it's light enough for PG in the mountains.
If you want to work on spot landings for example, the turn around is super fast. Tow, fly, land, walk over to the tow rig and repeat.
Highland and Blue Sky are the only towing operations around here, AFAIK.
Safety: i'm not getting into *that* discussion. Probably much safer than launching at Woodstock or the Pulpit, considering the tow operators involved. Okay, I guess I got into it.
You can definitely soar at Blue sky. Release around 1000 feet, although Matthew has gotten to 1300, I believe.
You are probably too low to catch anything at Highland. I think the max tow there is 500 feet and often much lower, so I hear.
-- ellis
Re: Paraglider Towing
For tow releases, try tow me up-- http://www.towmeup.com/bridle1.html
Steve Wendt at Blue Sky used to charge 10 buck per truck tow. No sure what the price is now-- probably a little more. Not sure about per price tow for scooter at Blue Sky or Highland. Scooter is uually used for a lessons. You'll need to scooter tow before you truck tow.
As to tow rating, not sure. I think LE has a tow tech rating. So she might be able to give a tow rating. Jim at Highland might also be able to give a tow rating.
As to safety, the scooter is super safe at Highland and Blue Sky because the instructor is watching and controlling the line tension. There are some various clubs, like up in PA, that have jury-rigged together a scooter tow system. Not sure about their safety. The truck towing is a bit more risky due to the higher line tension. But Steve at Blue Sky has gotten it down. As to other safety issues, ugh, that's a Pandora's box. Due to the added mechanical and human factors, towing is inherenetly riskier. However, I think the numbers show it is actually a lot safer than mountain launching.
Matthew
Steve Wendt at Blue Sky used to charge 10 buck per truck tow. No sure what the price is now-- probably a little more. Not sure about per price tow for scooter at Blue Sky or Highland. Scooter is uually used for a lessons. You'll need to scooter tow before you truck tow.
As to tow rating, not sure. I think LE has a tow tech rating. So she might be able to give a tow rating. Jim at Highland might also be able to give a tow rating.
As to safety, the scooter is super safe at Highland and Blue Sky because the instructor is watching and controlling the line tension. There are some various clubs, like up in PA, that have jury-rigged together a scooter tow system. Not sure about their safety. The truck towing is a bit more risky due to the higher line tension. But Steve at Blue Sky has gotten it down. As to other safety issues, ugh, that's a Pandora's box. Due to the added mechanical and human factors, towing is inherenetly riskier. However, I think the numbers show it is actually a lot safer than mountain launching.
Matthew
Re: Paraglider Towing
Sorry for not chiming in earlier, I've been neglecting this side of the forum.
Ellis and Mathew's assessment of the Highland rig is quite accurate. It's a wonderful setup to train PG, but not for soaring. Turn around is super fast and easy and the safety margin is large. I love teaching with it.
Jim
Ellis and Mathew's assessment of the Highland rig is quite accurate. It's a wonderful setup to train PG, but not for soaring. Turn around is super fast and easy and the safety margin is large. I love teaching with it.
Jim