The Cobra launch is a method of launching a paraglider from the side so that it doesn’t drag you so much in strong wind. It needs good ground control skills. So that’s what this article is about: practicing the Cobra launch on a flat field so when you need it you’ve mastered the method.
COBRA LAUNCH METHOD
First get familiar with keeping the wingtip on the ground, which is only possible across the wind from where you’re standing. Use the top brake and turn your body into wind to make it rise. Then try to carefully lay the wing down by turning towards it and using the brake to slow the descent.
This will probably result in a fully open wing which you can side launch. Gently guide it up and step underneath the wing and when it’s balanced overhead slowly bring it back down again. Try and get it back into a nice layout on its back on the grass.
Then tease the downwind tip up so it catches the wind and let it fly to your crosswind position so it stands up in a vertical Cobra position. Then use the brake to create a little drag and increase the lift by changing the wingtip angle. That’s the secret.
COBRA LAUNCH LAYOUT
A great start position is with a wing that has been concertina packed then opened slightly. Lay it across the wind direction and expose the downwind tip. Make sure that the into-wind side is pulled taut and stacked so it won’t fly too early.
Clear all the lines out and take that downwind riser, on the top, with your downwind hand. Catch the wind and steer it up on the brakes.
COBRA LAUNCH DANGERS
Evan, one of my Flight Academy members, asked me a question about Cobra launches: are there some safety concerns with Cobras that I’ve yet to experience? Can they go horribly wrong in some way?
My answer to Evan is that they take a lot of practice to get repeatable results in varied launch sites. Sometimes the angle of the wind is just right and they make it look so easy. Sometimes it’s tricky to get the right positioning and without good technique it can create cravats which can be hard to clear out.
I usually Cobra for the first launch of the day because I can leave the wing stacked on one side, open one tip and fly it open. But doing this means I haven’t been able to do a full line check so I’m relying on my ability to keep a low control phase as I scan for problems.
This suits pilots of a higher experience. So by all means use it but practice it before using it on a committed launch. Have fun taming the cobra!
FURTHER STUDY
Master your ground handling techniques in my GROUND CONTROL course. I also demonstrate how to use this technique in my LAUNCH SKILLS course. Join my Flight Academy to take your flying to the next level!