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Would you footlaunch a ski-launch wing?
Tahoepilot replied to DesertDevil's topic in Swooping and Canopy Control
I agree, foot launching works great. Takes some practice but landing on foot shouldn't be a problem for anyone used to flying a high performance/ highly loaded canopy. I have a Bullet 14m as well as a Bullet 12m and I've foot launched both many times without incident. Both are highly loaded - 14m at about 1.9 lb/sqft and 12m at about 2.2 - with me on them so they are super dynamic in pitch and roll. That's how they fly with skis on too so I had plenty of experience with controlling them before I ever foot launched. Advice: have your ground handling under control (know how to kite the wing in most or all conditions) and know how to recognize and avoid mechanical turbulence - trees, rocks, ridges, etc all generate turbulence that is deadly when you're going fast close to the terrain, finally, aggressive control input anywhere near the ground will get you there very quickly. All in all, a great way to get the winter toys out of the closet when there's no snow.