PVC Pedal Launcher

[dave_lilley]

http://www.ezonemag.com/articles/2002/aug/pedal/p1010023_t3.jpg (http://www.ezonemag.com/cgi-bin/alist/jump.pl?ID=747)

PVC Pedal Launcher (http://www.ezonemag.com/cgi-bin/alist/jump.pl?ID=747)

By Brian J Riddell

A pedal launcher removes the "knee knocking" associated with hand launching planes, since it provides enough launch power to complete a small circuit and return to the field if a motor fails during launch. This article should provide the basic details and perhaps the inspiration for you to build your own pedal launcher.

[rparigoris]

With all due respect, is pedal launcher needed?

I agree that hand launching a heavy wingloaded plane is helped much by a bungi.

In all fairness, I have never tried a pedal launcher, because I think it not necessary.

Am I wrong? Is a pedal launcher needed and worth lugging around when a piece of safety wire the size of a quarter works fine?

Comment by someone who has used both would be appriciated.

On current 5 pound slope slayer I launch with a piece of bungi and some fishing line with a safety wire oblong ring and a rag tied to the end.

Works perfect so far.

I keep bungi and line on an electrical reel, takes about a minute to screw in doggie tiedown and hook beener to it and unwind. Takes about a minute to wind up and unscrew doggie tiedown and put in bag. only have a reel and doggie tiedown to lug around.

Solo launches no problem, and this thing has a very sharp 14.5 inch 3/4 hp meatgrinder in the back.

Ron Parigoris

[dave_lilley]

With all due respect, maybe it's just not for you Ron. ;)

Personally, I prefer a real catapult launcher. To each his own I guess. :)