Another excerpt from Performance Flying: (submitted for the benefit of all)
WINDY LAUNCHES
???? In gusty, turbulent conditions very often launch windows are short, leaving you very nervous.? The problem is you doesn't always know exactly how long the relatively stable periods are.? For this reason the following procedures are recommended:
???? The first step is to pick up the glider and hold it to see if you can keep it stable for a minimum of 3 seconds.? This lets you feel the variations in the air to understand how shifty conditions are.? If you can't get 3 seconds of steady flow then you probably don't have a long enough cycle to launch safely.
???? We recommend putting the glider down, especially when the air is knocking it around, to keep your arms fresh and reduce mental stress.? It doesn't help your concentration when you are fighting a live glider.? It is always easier to level the wings with the basetube on the ground.
???? Too many pilots wait too long to begin their launch.? As they wait the glider gets out of whack, they struggle, tire, delay, and often miss the cycle.? Pick the glider up, pause (less than one second) and begin the launch if the wings are level.? You can begin your launch before you are standing fully erect as long as you sense full glider balance.? Keep the nose at the optimum AOA for top speed and control.
???? For those with VG-equipped gliders, it usually helps to tighten your VG system part way in gusty conditions to take up some side cable slack.? But remember you may need good handling immediately after launch so don't overdo it.
???????????????????????????????????????????????????? Bacil
Windy Launches
Moderator: CHGPA BOD