On Aug 13, 10:56*am, Andy wrote:
On Aug 13, 8:30*am, bildan wrote:

Always use the EXACT weak link specified in the manual. *If a glider's
manual doesn't specify a winch launch weak link - you're going to be a
test pilot if you winch it.

What would be the consequence of using a link say 10% weaker than that
specified? *If I know the link is weaker I can fly a less agressive
climb profile and accept that I will get a lower launch altitude. *If
I forget and climb agressively the link will break - so what?

Andy

I've had experience as a winch driver with gliders using weaker links
resulting in frequent breakage. In that case I would suggest the
pilot insisting on using the weaker link be held accountable for the
cost of broken link and any lost rigging. Links are $7 (x4 in this
case) and I'm still looking for a missing strop, shackle, and ring set
($100). Two went missing on a single day, with one having since been
recovered. A few years ago a strop vanished and was found 4.5 years
later.

There are recommendations that if the correct value isn't specified or
known to use 1.3 x MAUW. This is one reference to that formula
http://tinyurl.com/258ba3j

Frank Whiteley