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After lift-off, the glider pilot should establish a wind correction angle toward the upwind side of the runway to prevent drifting downwind. This prevents downwind drift and allows the glider to work upwind of the runway during the climb-out. When the towline is released at the top of the climb, it tends to drift back toward the centerline of the launch runway, as shown in Figure 7-20 . This helps keep the towline from fouling nearby wires, poles, fences, aircraft, and other obstacles on the side of the launching runway. Should the glider drift to the downwind side of the runway, the towline could damage other aircraft, runway lights, nearby fences, structures, obstacles, etc. 

## Normal Into-the-Wind Launch 

Normal takeoffs are made into the wind. Prior to launch, the glider pilot, ground crew, and launch equipment operator must be familiar with the launch signals and procedures. When the required checklists for the glider and ground launch equipment have been completed and the glider pilot, ground crew, and launch equipment operator are ready for takeoff, the glider pilot should signal the ground crewmember to hook the towline to the glider. The hookup must be done deliberately and correctly. The release mechanism should be checked for proper operation. To accomplish this, the ground crewmember should apply tension to the towline and signal the glider pilot to activate the release. The ground crewmember should verify that the release has worked properly and signal the glider pilot. When the towline is hooked up to the glider again, the ground crewmember takes a position at the wingtip of the down wing. When the glider pilot signals “ready for takeoff,” the ground crewmember clears both takeoff and landing areas. When the ground crewmember has ensured the traffic pattern is clear, the ground crewmember then 

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signals the launch equipment operator to “take up slack” in the towline. Once the slack is removed from the towline, the ground crewmember again verifies that the glider pilot is ready for takeoff. Then, the ground crewmember raises the wings to a level position, does a final traffic pattern check, and signals to the launch equipment operator to begin the takeoff. 

CAUTION: Never connect a glider to a towplane or towline unless the pilot is aboard and ready for flight. If the pilot exits the glider for any reason, the towline should be released and disconnected. Glider pilots should be prepared for a takeoff anytime the towline is attached to the glider. 

The length, elasticity, and mass of the towline used for ground launching have several effects on the glider being launched. First, it is difficult or impossible to prevent the glider from 

