I learned some important F3J towing techniques at the NATS F3J event several years ago. I cannot run so I have a problem getting someone to tow for me since I cannot return the favor. My heat was called and I did not have a tow person. The call went out on the PA system and Joe Wurts towed for me. So at the horn I released my 2 meter Lil Scorpion and it did not launch very high. Joe came back and explained two important things to me. First let the runner build up plenty of line tension before I launch, and second, ping off at about 75 percent of launch height while there is still plenty of tension to produce a zoom. The rest of my launches were much better. Since then I have studied Joe's F3J launches. He builds up plenty of pretension and signals the runner to start at about three seconds before the horn. Joe can just barely avoid being pulled across the starting line before the horn sounds. Joe has optimized tow hook location, trailing edge deflection, and model design to give the best launch. The result is minimum launch time and maximum flight time in the window. Bob Harold RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
