"Derek Copeland" wrote in
message ...
The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has
recently published a report on a fatal accident involving
a DG600 sailplane back in 2005.
snip
Can I recommend most strongly that you do your straps
up really tightly and set the rudder pedals at least
a couple of notches nearer for a winch launch, especially
if the sailplane has a well reclined seat. Also only
use very firm seat cushions if these are required.


I've had a similar "feet off the pedals experience" in a Std Cirrus when I
visited another club with a high power winch. My club, at that time, was
using reverse pulley auto tow so I'd never experienced a high acceleration
winch launch. I'm fortunate that I'm 6'3" so didn't slide too far back
before my head hit the canopy frame. I was thus able to keep my hand on the
stick.

The problem in that glider, and I suspect others, is that the shoulder
straps don't stop you sliding backwards regardless of how tight they are.
Unless the straps are attached to a point below your shoulders they can't
stop you. The other problem in the Std Cirrus is the lack of upholstery on
the seat pan, making it easy to slide on. My solution was to sit on a thin
rubber mat which stopped all movement.

Stephen