The system of winch launch signalling, in the UK, was
changed so that pilots had their fingers close to the
release on take-off; not sticking two fingers up in
the air. You are not meant to accept the cable until
you are ready to launch, all fiddling complete; you
accept the cable you are ready to go.

At 14:00 04 September 2007, Ian wrote:

We used to have a system in the UK which ensured this:
the pilot waved
one finger for 'take up slack' and two for 'all out'.
Thus the launch
didn't start until the signaller was assured that the
pilot had a hand
free. Now the launch starts when the signaller feels
like it, and s/he
just has to hope that the pilot has a hand near the
release, and not
scratching himself, adjusting the altimeter, twiddling
with the GPS -
or actually on the release, ready for an unwanted pull
off when the
wheel hits a bump.

I'm sure it will change back in due course.

Ian