I have a electric powered glider (2 meter), how do I hand launch it? Should I keep the prop running during the launching?

From : Don Stackhouse

I generally do, as long as the prop is sufficiently clear of the best place to hold the model that it doesn't threaten to slash any wrists, arms or other body parts. Grip the model just behind the C/G like you would for a winch or Hi-start launch, check that the controls are working correctly, then give it full throttle. If it's light and you're familiar with its flight characteristics, you can get away with a javelin-style throw, or a few running steps into a javelin throw. I like to launch the model just slightly nose-up, in a very shallow climb attitude, so I can make sure the model is stable and fully up to flying speed before pulling up into a steeper climb.

For a heavier model, or one that hasn't been tested before (and therefore its control trim is still an unknown), I like to do a gentle running launch (assuming its flying speed is slow enough with the available wind that I can run that fast). I hold the model overhead and run into the wind with it, feeling its responses as I do so. I can make minor corrections while running. For example, if it feels like there is a crosswind and it wants to bank away to one side, I can rotate my wrist a little to crab it into the wind till it wants to stay level. Once the model feels like it's supporting its own weight and holding a stable attitude, I simply let go, or at most give it a gentle push. This way, when the model actually leaves my hand, it's already in nice, smooth, stable flight. This gives me a better chance of catching any trim problems or nasty habits it has, and also reduces the chances of a bad full-effort javelin throw causing a loss of control at the moment of release. Properly done, it allows you to make a brief "test flight" before the model actually leaves the safety of your hand. You can even make a few "test runs" this way with the power off, stopping just before the final throw, to check the model's responses before actually turning it loose on its first flight.

Don Stackhouse
DJ Aerotech