On 5 Sep, 19:00, "Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote:
"Ian" wrote in message

I think it's often true, and probably mostly true, but I don;t think
it's always the case. A winch launch power failure can leave you too
far down the runway to land straight ahead but too low to do much by
way of fancy manoevres.

Well, using absolutes is 'usually' a bad idea. Let me say that a cable
break on a winch launch is likely to provide more options to land on the
runway than may be the case with aero tow. In fact, I can't imagine a
situation where I couldn't return to the runway unless the runway is
extremely short and narrow, in which case it isn't a suitable winch site in
the first place.

I agree with you. In the places where I wouldn't return to the runway
it's because there is somewhere better under me first.

If the winch suffers a slow power failure that results in a less than
expected climb angle, I'd suggest releasing early and landing ahead before
the available runway is used up.

Agreed again. It's just that a slow (as in gradual) power failure can
be a real bummer to detect, particularly if you get the odd few
seconds of full performance. "This is a bit slow ... oh that's
better ... now what's he playing at ... here we go ... oh, stuff
this ... bing ... whoops"

Please note that I am not advocating 180 turns to a downwind landing on
winch launch since it would be extremely rare that such an option is
appropriate or even needed.

Banned at at least two clubs I have flown at, too.

Ian