Glider launching device

A combination flying structure and launcher, said flying structure having a nose and a tail end, comprising:

• a cradle member for retaining said flying structure prior to launch of said flying structure, said cradle member having a first end and a second end;
• a nose engagement member pivotably attached at said first end of said cradle member, said nose engagement member releasably engaging said nose of said flying structure prior to launch of said flying structure;
• a tail engagement member attached to said second end of said cradle member, said tail engagement member releasably engaged to said flying structure prior to launch of said flying structure;
• and
• a propelling member for imparting energy to said flying structure.

A method of launching a flying structure comprising the steps of:

• providing a flying structure, said flying structure having a nose end and a tail end;
• further providing a launcher comprising;
• a cradle member for retaining said flying structure prior to launch of said flying structure, said cradle member having a first end and a second end;
• a nose engagement member pivotably attached at said first end of said cradle member, said nose engagement member releasably engaging said nose of said flying structure prior to launch of said flying structure;
• and
• a tail engagement member attached to said second end of said cradle member, said tail engagement member releasably engaged to said flying structure prior to launch of said flying structure and an elastic cord attached at a first end to said nose engagement member and attached at a second end to a stationary object;
• placing said flying structure upon said cradle member of said launcher such that said nose end of said flying structure engages said nose engagement member and said tail end of said flying structure engages said tail engagement member;
• pulling said cradle member of said launcher away from said stationary object such that said elastic cord is placed under tension and said nose end of said flying structure is pointed in a launch direction;
• releasing said cradle member of said launcher;
• propelling said flying structure toward said stationary object;
• pivoting said nose engagement member to disengage said nose of said flying structure;
• disengaging said tail engagement member from said tail of said flying structure thereby releasing and launching said flying structure in said launch direction.