Stooges

This site was last updated on February 15, 2008.

Sometimes we can't even find a buddy to fly with, much less practice combat, so we need a device, a stooge, to hold the plane while we run out to the handle, then release it on demand.

Here's an example by Mike Brandt. Notice the little slots and drawers to hold various launching paraphernalia.

These are pictures of Buzz Wilson's stooge.

Here's another example, by Ross Meyer.

It's built from the "shuck" leftover from the wing core.

The stooge holds the plane firmly while it is started and the pilot runs out to his handle. To launch, the pilot pulls the plane towards him by the lines.

The cord leading away from the outboard wing to the ground anchors the stooge against the initial pull during launch.