ERIC HLG Flights

[Rob Schaffer]

The weather has finally cooperated with my schedule and I was able to get in some really good flights today with my new ERIC HLG. Temp was in the mid 60's all day, and sunny, with a very light wind this evening after I got home from work. I quick grabbed the plane and headed out to the nearby fields.

After the traditional range check, I tossed the glider level and straight just to recheck my trim,... straight as an arrow it went ahead.

This plane isn't Discus launch capable, but I did put a throwing peg in the fuselage to help direct my force while throwing. Today was the first day that I was able to just focus on Practicing my launch in calm conditions. I tried slightly changing my angle each time, and I noticed that I got the best launches when I followed through completely and released the plane at near 30 deg from horiz. I am new to this HLG sport, so my low level thermal senses aren't that acute, but I am sure that with time I will improve. My flight times are improving, mainly due to the better launches, and are approaching the 30-40 second marks on average when there is a light wind that I can work with. Dead air times are only in the teens, as I need to work on that aspect of things.

I guess in the end, I would like to say that the ERIC is a good plane for someone getting into HLG. I was able to build it easily and it flies really well. This HLG stuff is going to get adicting!! :D

Here is some info on the ERIC if you are interested.
www.personal.psu.edu/rps142/EricHLG/HLGreview.htm

[Rob Schaffer]

Just thought I would follow up on the performance of this HLG so far.

I have been able to get quite a few flights in since my last post, and my launching height as improved lending to some better chances to find "good" air.

I located a small hill near my house, with a farmer's field at the bottom. During the late morning I am typically able to HL at the bottom and catch a few pockets of warm rising air. The plane quickly responds to any changes in lift, and I have learned how to core the lift quickly (on most occasions). I have only had one flight over 2 min, but nearly each day out I am able to get one solid flight, after a number of flights just trying to find the right air.

After a while though, I notice my launches are getting weak and my shoulder begins to get a little sore, so I decide to pack it in for the day. Any thoughts on how to change my launch to help reduce this tendency? I am really enjoying this HLG, and I can't wait for those calm late evenings of summer.

Happy Flying :cool:

[rlt55]

Hi Rob,
I'm new to LHG too and have a bad right shoulder..
After doing a bunch of Javelin launches, I was in a world of hurt.
I gave discus launch a try and wow! what a difference!
I started off slow and increased the spin speed until my
Elster 1.5 (www.Arthobby.com was really getting up there.
Then, I over-did it and one side of the V-tail snapped on launch.

I have another V-tail that I want to reinforce before installing.
Right now, I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to get room
for more lead in the nose when the tail is heavier..
I hope to be back flying again when the weather is better.

I have learned one thing, Discus launch is the only way I'll ever hand launch again.
It's the no-pain launch method..

For a sailplane that you can't tip launch, get a highstart..

Cheers,
Rich<>

[Rob Schaffer]

Thanks for the info,... I'll definitely check out DLG after I get better at "reading the air". The ERIC is my first attempt at HLG and I can't wait till this summer when the activity is more active. I did get some nice flights in the other day though.

Good luck flying,....

[leverick]

Same problem I love to hand launch but my shoulder gets tired, I added a hook to my art hobby falco and use a hi start now almost exclusively. 150 ft of line and 30 foot of 3/16 tubing. It zooms it to from 80 to 150 feet depending on conditions. I've had xeveral 1/2 hour thermal flights which I attribute to being able to hunt thermals from 150 feet agl versus 50 ft alg using a javelin launch. I tried a discus launch with the falco and augered in at mach 2 breaking the fuselage so I'll try that more later with a more appropriate glider. GET A HI START!!! You won't regret it.

[rlt55]

I'm waiting for my Tow hook order to come in from HobbyLobby.
My high start is going to use 50' of Hollyday 1.5M rubber tube with 150' of monofilament fishing line (50 lb test).
In theory, when I pull it back to a tension of 4.2 pounds, it will launch my Elster up to 200 feet.
I don't have a parachute, so I'm thinking of making a little kite out of coroplast. Maybe I can set it up so it's not too draggie but large enough so the wind will float it back to the right place.

Cheers,
Rich<>

[leverick]

I really like having the chute, it makes for a quick turn around if you miss a cycle. Here's one for 14 bucks. http://www.hobby-lobby.com/histart.htm