"Mark Zivley" wrote in message
...
I don't think this is due entirely to the weight of the cable. We fly
the same cable w/ our Duo and it back releases nicely with a much softer
"ka-clink" that you can hear. On the Lark it's a loud bang and the
cable is definitely much more taught when it does back release. This is
what makes me suspicious that it's the angle that the release is
installed at, but I'm definitely looking for other considerations.

This Lark is relatively low time so I don't think it's a spring issue,
but good thought.

Mark

I noticed exactly the same thing comparing my Lark to a Grob Twin II. The
Lark was much louder and released with more tension. That's just the nature
of the animal.

As the winch driver launching my own Lark with a friend at the controls I
noticed that the back release occurred exactly when I wanted it to. As soon
as I cut the power, the cable fell free of the glider - I liked that. On
the other hand, the Grob would hold the cable until the pilot pulled the
release, sometimes dropping the cable way too close to the winch.

Now, if the cable is coming off the CG hook BEFORE the winch driver cuts the
power, THEN you have a problem with the release.

Carbon/Glass reinforced resin with a PVC foam core is a great sound
deadener - any composite structure will be quiet. Aluminum is a great
conductor of sound. The Lark back release will always be loud especially
since it is mounted directly to the sub-structure beneath the rear cockpit.

Note that the Lark nose hook will also back release. Sit in the cockpit and
have someone pull back on a rope until the hook back releases. It will be
loud too although not as loud as the 2-32 nose hook.

Bill Daniels