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Old November 6th 17, 04:46 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Scott Williams
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Default Overspeeding on winch launches

On Monday, November 6, 2017 at 6:48:16 AM UTC-6, Dan Schmitz wrote:
I'm wondering what the consequences of overspeeding on winch launches are? I understand that it places stress on the airframe, but to what extent?

I find it near impossible to control the airspeed on the top third of a launch and have found myself over speeding the placarded max. speed by 5 - 10 knots a few times despite signalling to the winch driver.

Should I be taking the approach of releasing at 2/3 of typical launch height (e.g. 700 - 800 foot) if my airspeed isn't under control at this point?

Thanks in advance

When our club was winching fairly often, I was one of the winch drivers (with only a 3-4 hundred runs though). As the glider begins to reach the last third of the launch, the power must back off, sometimes to barely above idle. this is especially true if launching into a good brisk headwind.