British pilots are used to making reverse launches most of the time but European pilots often make snatch launches even in strong winds. It may seem silly to make a snatch when a reverse launch is possible but sometimes there are good reasons for doing so.

The obvious answer is that it is the best way to deal with strong winds but let's look at all the elements which make reverse launching effective.

• Good canopy control before inflation.



• Easy canopy inspection during inflation.



• Good traction by leaning back in harness.



• Pilots who are blown back already face the direction they are being pulled.

• Pilots may get confused, turn the wrong way and twist the lines. The easiest way to get this right is to always turn towards the maillon or karabiner whose riser is closest to the face.



• Canopy control can easily be lost whilst turning round. The best way to reverse launch is with the brake handles already in the correct hands, sometimes described as the 'crossed hands' method. This is easier than it sounds and gives continuous canopy control from inflation right through to launch.



• Pilots may find themselves airborne whilst facing the wrong way and without their hands in the brakes. The 'crossed hands' method is a little safer but still potentially dangerous.



• On steep hills pilots may find themselves moving backwards (into wind) down a rough surface unable to take off and unable to turn around. This is extremely dangerous.

Examining the above problems helps to highlight the strong points of snatch launching.

• Pilots hands are already holding the correct brake handles.



• Pilots face the way they intend to go.



• Good canopy control is available immediately on inflation.



• Pilots can easily and safely accelerate downslope

• Traction can be poor.



• Canopy observation can be difficult.

On a steep slope the problem of poor traction is partially overcome by the pilots' weight acting down the hill. Coupled with the dangers of reversing on a steep slope this gives snatch launching the advantage in many situations. Canopy inspection is still difficult, however, so pilots must exercise extra care when rigging.

When selecting a launch method several factors must be considered of which wind strength is only one. The most important one is probably that pilots should normally face the direction they expect to be pulled once the canopy is inflated regardless of whether gravity or wind is the motive force.