PG ground handling in high winds

[pink_albatross]

Mike Kueng has a video out on ground handling in high winds:
http://www.xcmag.com/news/2009/10/4074/

He is using C's and D's to steer. Much more effective than brakes, since in high winds using brakes tends to get you lifted off the ground, usually before you're ready. C's and D's can not only be used to steer, but also to dampen lift.

I am not sure I advocate grabbing the brakes as you are turning around to take off. At least not around here, where (I think all local pilots agree, we had several discussion on this) it is crucial to be ready to control your wing at all times during the launching process (note: Mike Kueng has a wide open area with laminar winds). I would say to keep the brakes in your hand right from the beginning, even if you don't use them while groundhandling with the C's and D's.

But I like the C and D handling. Notice it's *and* not *or*. Much easier to grab both C's and D's, IMHO, than to figure out how to grab only the C's or the D's.

-- ellis