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Old December 13th 16, 03:19 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default Winch Launch - Fatal

On Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 5:03:12 PM UTC-7, wrote:
1. Balance the wing, not just level it.
2. Point the glider EXACTLY at the winch.
3. PRECISELY center all controls and don't wag the stick around in the roll.
4. Above all, don't force a pilot to wobble along during an extended ground roll while struggling to keep the wings level.

I have an issue with points 2 and 3: you're of course right if the winch hook is on the center line of the glider. However, many gliders (e.g. Ka-6, ASK-13, ASK-21) have an off-centre winch hook. With a left of centre hook, the initial acceleration causes a marked yaw to the right. It is much better in this case to align the glider pointing slightly to the left of the winch, and giving left rudder at the start.


Swing due to an offset hook is minimal if the acceleration is high. Acceleration increases the download on the tail wheel forcing the glider to roll straight. In any event a slight drift to the side is of no consequence - you're not trying to fly formation on a winch.