Overspeeding on winch launches

At 17:28 06 November 2017, George Haeh wrote:
https://members.gliding.co.uk/bga-sa...safe-winching/

The BGA has published a an excellent winch launching resource.

Well worth memorizing at the beginning of every season.

The winch driver should be reducing power at the top of the launch as thi
is
where overspeed becomes critical.

Do remember to have a correct weak link.

I managed to break one just as I was releasing. Gusts and transmissio
surging
can add loads. That is what the weak link protects against. Th
manufacturer
airspeed limit gives some margin for gusts; so yes, on a calm day a small

airspeed exceedence might not break the weak link. But don't make it
habit.

We qualify in a 2-seater, but a single seater handles differently. Th
winch
generally has to run at the max for a 2-seater, but has excess power for
single
seater.

Tension can go up or down a few hundred pounds in very few seconds becaus

of gusts.

You can always invest in a Launch Assistant from Skylaunch. An ASI
transmitter in the glider, and a receiver/readout in the winch. Not that
expensive, and doesn't have to be a Skylaunch winch.
Dave

On Tue, 07 Nov 2017 18:15:23 +0000, David Salmon wrote:

You can always invest in a Launch Assistant from Skylaunch. An ASI
transmitter in the glider, and a receiver/readout in the winch. Not that
expensive, and doesn't have to be a Skylaunch winch.
Dave

So I see. That answers all my questions about size/weight/how it is
installed in the glider. Thanks.



--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |

At 20:56 07 November 2017, Martin Gregorie wrote:
On Tue, 07 Nov 2017 18:15:23 +0000, David Salmon wrote:

You can always invest in a Launch Assistant from Skylaunch. An ASI
transmitter in the glider, and a receiver/readout in the winch. Not
that
expensive, and doesn't have to be a Skylaunch winch.
Dave

So I see. That answers all my questions about size/weight/how it is
installed in the glider. Thanks.



--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |

It is a small lightweight plastic box, from memory around 75x25x10. Needs
tee-ing in to the pitot and static lines, and also needs a 12v supply. So
light, it could be velcro'd under the panel, or tie wrapped. It detects the
start of the launch, at around 25kts, then transmits the airspeed to the
receiving unit in the winch, which has an analogue airspeed readout, then
after the launch, switches itself off. Check out the Skylaunch web site.
Dave

I am going to purchase the kit for our expedition winch and auto-tow outfit, and one for my glider. A small price for higher and safer launches, compared to what we spend on 'gizmos'. I have no connection with Skylaunch though they have always provided great service and everything I have needed in terms of launching accessories.
The 'wheel has been invented'. We don't need to anguish over the question - "should I pull off before my wings are pulled off?"!

On Thu, 09 Nov 2017 22:43:07 -0800, Peter Whitehead wrote:

I am going to purchase the kit for our expedition winch and auto-tow
outfit, and one for my glider. A small price for higher and safer
launches, compared to what we spend on 'gizmos'. I have no connection
with Skylaunch though they have always provided great service and
everything I have needed in terms of launching accessories.
The 'wheel has been invented'. We don't need to anguish over the
question - "should I pull off before my wings are pulled off?"!

To me this looks like a great idea if almost every winch has it, but
otherwise a slight worry that it may affect my proficiency if my home
winch is equipped with it but winches at clubs I visit don't have it.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org |