Editing Hang gliding (section)

== Launch ==
[[Image:Launch of a hang glider.ogg|thumb|Video of a foot-launching from a hill]]

Launch techniques include launching from a hill/cliff/mountain/sand dune/any raised terrain on foot, tow-launching from a ground-based tow system, aerotowing (behind a powered aircraft), [[powered hang glider|powered harnesses]], and being towed up by a boat. Modern winch tows typically utilize hydraulic systems designed to regulate line tension, this reduces scenarios for lock out as strong aerodynamic forces will result in additional rope spooling out rather than direct tension on the tow line. Other more exotic launch techniques have also been used successfully, such as [[hot air balloon]] drops from very high altitude. When weather conditions are unsuitable to sustain a soaring flight, this results in a top-to-bottom flight and is referred to as a "sled run". In addition to typical launch configurations, a hang glider may be so constructed for alternative launching modes other than being foot launched; one practical avenue for this is for people who physically cannot foot-launch.<ref name="cableairport">{{cite web|url=http://www.cableairport.com/airfair/Performers/Dan_Buchanan.html|publisher=cableairport.com|title=Dan Buchanan|access-date=30 April 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928095243/http://www.cableairport.com/airfair/Performers/Dan_Buchanan.html|archive-date=28 September 2007}}</ref>

In 1983 Denis Cummings re-introduced a safe tow system that was designed to tow through the centre of mass and had a gauge that displayed the towing tension, it also integrated a 'weak link' that broke when the safe tow tension was exceeded. After initial testing, in the Hunter Valley, Denis Cummings, pilot, John Clark, (Redtruck), driver and Bob Silver, officianado, began the Flatlands Hang gliding competition at Parkes, NSW. The competition quickly grew, from 16 pilots the first year to hosting a World Championship with 160 pilots towing from several wheat paddocks in western NSW.
In 1986 Denis and 'Redtruck' took a group of international pilots to Alice Springs to take advantage of the massive thermals. Using the new system many world records were set. With the growing use of the system, other launch methods were incorporated, static winch and towing behind an [[ultralight trike]] or an [[Ultralight aircraft (United States)|ultralight airplane]].