At 00:33 07 November 2017, waremark wrote:
I don't agree with:

", i.e. when the climb=20
starts to flatten, you should release immediately if you're even
slightly=
=20
above the placarded max winch speed. "

I do agree of course that exceeding the placarded limit is not a
problem
ea=
rlier in the launch when the cable is pulling the glider more
forward than
=
down, but that the load on the glider (and the weak link) is more
critical
=
towards the end of the launch. However, rather than releasing, I
think
that=
safety (and not breaking the weak link) can be achieved by
relaxing the
ba=
ck pressure.

The correct weak link should prevent any glider from suffering
structural
f=
ailure, and probably does. But has anyone ever heard of any
accident
caused=
by exceeding a placarded maximum launch speed?

I watched a fatal winch launch accident happen ,and it still haunts
me.
The climb was not steep but the pilot got into a PIO while trying to
sort it out .1 wing broke off near the root and it came down
side ways.
There were structural faults in the glider wing and the weak link was
doubled,BUT the experienced winch driver said there was little load
on the cable.
We put it down to the change in angle of attack at high speed, the
load hits the wing first, then the hook, it is not until all the bow is
taken from the cable that the load it on the weak link and the driver
feels it.
max winch means max.
However I have not let it stop me, but I never have full back stick at
near max winch speed and I try to be smooth .
Jon May