On Apr 18, 10:54 pm, Marc Ramsey wrote:
Roger Worden wrote:
I'm planning my Silver distance flight. After reading the Sporting Code and
several guides, I still have a question.

I'll be using a Volkslogger, and I'll be winch launching. My planned Finish
Point is lower than my Start Point, so I have to very be careful about the
1% rule. The guides talk about notching a barogram to make the release point
clear (when aerotowing). Is that necessary with a flight recorder and a
winch launch? I really don't want to lose 200' to create a notch, if I'm
releasing fairly low off a winch launch. Would a tight turn or circle right
after release from the winch be evidence of the Start Point, rather than a
loss of altitude? Or is it even necessary, since the cessation of climb
(from 45 degrees up, to level flight) should be pretty obvious?


Roger:

You would do best to ask .
It has been a coon's age since I was a badge lady, and now I don't
personally recall
reviewing any ground launched badge traces.

Your application should have a statement from the observer about your
launching
method. The observer can contribute his/her point of view about
release height from
the flight record, and the information about length of line used
stretched prior to launch,
and any other matter they feel pertinent to establishing a clear
departure from the
launch for Judy Ruprecht.

Your winch driver is also your "tow pilot" for the purpose of the
application,and attests to
location of the winch (by lat long information) but not release
altitude.

Based on the number of flight records she has seen over the recent
years, I would bet
you will have little difficulty having the observer and the staff
understand where your
departure occurred. If you have lovely weather and a nice immediate
climb, you will
also have created the "circle notch" for the beginning of climb.

Just be certain that you have the Volkslogger set to an appropriately
small interval
between samples, like three or four seconds, or even two seconds, if
you have
cleared the memory to avoid the nasty little nagging beeps. That will
help establish a clear
start to soaring performance.

Good luck !

Cindy B