On Aug 16, 12:29 am, Dan G wrote:
My tip would to be concentrate on safety. It is of utmost importance
that a glider can also recover from a launch failure no matter when
during the launch it occurs.

Too true, but...

That sounds simple but in reality it's
quite complex: it mandates that the glider is flown in a very precise
and quite narrow envelope during the launch, particularly the first
part, and what you actually do in the event of a failure is totally
dependent on the layout of the airfield and wind speed and direction.

Isn't the same true with aerotows?

I was taught (and it was demonstrated) that in still air a K13
will get itself into the air correctly without significant pilot
input. I exaggerate slightly, of course

You need very experienced people to teach you what to do.

And a "good" site. I've heard rumours of sites where, if there is
a break at certain heights, you are almost guaranteed to end
up in some trees. I wonder if that is true or merely a bar story.

Certainly the site was a major factor in my choosing a club;
the target zone is very large, and there is an embarrassment
of options.

The BGA has produced excellent safety advice, read it he
http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/doc...hlaunching.pdf

That's a useful aide memoire, but recent local experience
is more relevant and necessary.

However, if you don't follow that advice, this is what happens:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...2020L%20glider,...

True, but there are equivalent considerations with aerotow failures,
plus you can kill the tuggie.

tom gardner