Reverse launching: professional procedure or showing off. Pierre
Boullloux takes us back to basics and describes the most efficient
way of inflating in the reverse launch position.
Reverse launch: everyone talks about it, many try it but very
few go to the trouble of learning how to do it correctly causing
quite a lot of incidents during takeoff. This is a shame for a
method which, if properly applied, definitely improves efficie
cy and safety in certain wind conditions.
As much as inflating and controlling in the reverse position is
useful in certain cases, taking off without turning back round
(staying facing the canopy) is more like a circus act with the
obvious risks that it entails, and isn't of the slighte t interest
or advantage.
Reverse launch is only really worthwhile if the whole of the manoeuvre
(from inflation to takeoff) is carried out without letting go
of the brakes. In fact letting go of the controls, no matter how
briefly, means there'll be a moment when you won 't be able to
react, thus endangering you in case of a sudden gust of wind.
Taken unaware and off-balance you might not be able to get hold
of the controls... which, according to Murphy's law, will have
become tangled in the lines, bringing about a new re ease in the
first moments of flying. Chillug!
This tried and tested technique, has decisive advantages in certain
terrain and wind conditions: more power and ease to resist the
wind, better visual control, easier pre-inflation, less risk of
lines catching on twigs etc. On the other hand, th reverse launch
in nil or very light wind is totally useless.
How's it done? (1)Spread out your canopy as usual and put your
harness on without getting hold of the controls. Then turn round
to face the canopy. It's important to always turn in the same
direction since in this way it becomes automatic, eliminating
any risk of twi t should you turn the wrong way. When you do your
U-turn to face your canopy, lift the lines up high so they don't
get caught on the harness.? (2)Move closer to the canopy. The
risers hang down loosely with the carabiners bent forward. Make
sure that there are no twists.? (3)Grasp the controls in the simplest
way: right hand, right control; left hand, left control.(4)Move
backwards a few steps until the lines become slightly taut (the
risers crossed). Grasp the front risers, without letting go of
the controls and without crossing your arms. This means: in your
right hand, the front riser going to your right (tow rds the left
half of the wing), in your left hand the front riser going to
your left (to the right half of the wing). Are you with me? (5)As
soon as the wind seems OK to you, inflate decisively, taking two
steps backwards with your elbows bent. Too soft an inflation may
bring about lateral imbalance of the canopy. If the canopy goes
up askew, stop pulling straight away and brake to br ng it back
down on the ground arid ready for another try. Pre--inflation
of the canopy should ensure that the next inflation will go without
a hitch.? (6)Let go of the front risers, controlling if need be
and turn back round the other way than at the start (clockwise
this time if you turned anti-clockwise at the beginning) and then
take off in the classic way.?
With some training you can manage to continue controlling the
wing during the U-turn. In the beginning it's best to do it quickly.
If the wing becomes unbalanced during or just after the turn round,
don't think twice about turning back round to ace the canopy again.
If this happens brake to bring the canopy back down symmetrically
to the ground again before starting again.? ?
It's up to you now to find some time for one or two inflation
sessions. The only difficulty stems from the fact that the control
reflexes are reversed due to the fact that you're facing the canopy.
A bit of training is all that's needed. Quickly your actions will
become precise and you'll experience the pleasurable feeling of
mastering your canopy. You'll be a lot safer then as well. Practice
as much as you can to sharpen your reflexes. And if you can't
get the hang of it, don't worry it's not th t important! If that's
the case, concentrate on your conventional technique and watch
out in strong or erratic winds.?
