Frank Whiteley wrote:
BTIZ wrote:
I usually use my floppy hat. We don't use a
launch marshall, but it sounds like your site uses a separate signal
person from the wing runner. Larger mirrors might help. You don't say
what limitations you're facing that prevents the tow pilot from seeing
the wing runner. Personally, if a wing runner can't perform the
hookup, the lookout, signal, and run the wing, I'd find someone else or
launch unassisted.

I agree, a person who cannot hook up, cannot run a wing, and does not know
the standard SSA signals, should not be left unassisted to launch a glider.

BT

Just a topical reminder, there's wing runner online training on the SSF
website
http://www.soaringsafety.org/school/wingrunner/toc.htm

Frank

We use two commands if we're aero towing with radios. "Take Up slack" to
start the tug moving and "All Out" when the rope comes tight. Both are
preceeded by the tug's call sign.

We normally use radio for the winch. Three commands are used: "Take Up
Slack" repeated until the cable is tight, then "All out" repeated until
the glider is visible to the winch driver. "Stop" repeated three times
is the emergency stop signal. I think the three syllables, two syllables
and single syllable distinction is important: it helps to cut through
wind noise, especially if the launch marshal is short handed, holding
the wing and so is without a spare hand to shield the mic.


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martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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