The wing tip runner does not 'manage' the take off process - the pilot does. There seems to be a trend whereby pilots think that the launch process is something that is controlled by the wing-runner and they are a passive participant - this is completely wrong. The take-off process does not happen without the express command of the pilot. Certainly, the wing runner can stop a launch if they see fit - the pilot can't see behind him/her which is why the launch continues to proceed after the 'all clear above and behind' call is made to clear the airspace. The pilot has the ultimate authority in the launch - it s called the release knob/handle.
Over the years I've also seen a number of methods of communicating between launch point and winch/autotow in terms of signals - flashing headlights, wings waving up and down and signal bats. The advantage with them is that there is no interference. The great majority of gliders now have radios so the pilot is not out of the communications loop - they can monitor the radio calls and if there is any conflict, they can terminate the launch. The launch does not have to proceed just because the wing runner is waving 'full power' - pull the yellow handle!! I just wonder what is the reason for changing what we are presently doing? Old and dated methods - certainly!! But I haven't yet seen anyone write that it will make launching 'safer' which would be a prime motivator, only that we should use the radio because we can. ________________________________ From: Alan Wilson <a...@ozemail.com.au> To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. <aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net> Sent: Fri, 28 May, 2010 8:40:26 AM Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Skynch and launch coord over VHF I agree with Harry. At glider launch we persist with [semaphore] signals used 50 years ago, whereby the wing tip runner [who is not in the communications loop] still manages the take off process. And I have seen winch clubs that coordinate launches on CB radio: that puts the glider pilot out of that communications loop. In 2010 that can now be greatly improved by the use of the VHF glider radio. The glider pilot can be in charge and in the comms loop. The same thing applies to aerotowing. The tug pilot, the aircraft on downwind, and the glider on tow may have all coordinated over VHF, but the wing tip runner, and the forward signaler are often out of that comms loop and stop a safe coordinated launch. Let's let the glider pilot give 'take up slack' and 'all out' on VHF radio. [and have the pilot manage the wing tip runner.] Alan Wilson -----Original Message----- From: aus-soaring-boun...@lists.internode.on.net [mailto:aus-soaring-boun...@lists.internode.on.net] On Behalf Of harry medlicott Sent: Thursday, 27 May 2010 5:41 PM To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Skynch Hi Mike, We have speed conrol from the glider right now. Its called a VHF radio with a press to talk button on the control column and a boom mike. Calling down speeds to the winch driver is not that hard. Not perfect but we have the technolgy in most gliders. Just try and convince the GFA. They insist on all winch launch signals being given from outside the glider even though no problem with wing down aerotow retrieves. The word antedulvian springs to mind,. Harry M. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Borgelt" <mborg...@borgeltinstruments.com> To: "Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia." <aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net> Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 11:23 AM Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Skynch > > > Doesn't have to be electric. > > I've long been an advocate of putting the winch throttle in the > glider pilot's hand. > Sure beats using semaphore with the glider airframe. > > > Mike > > At 10:39 AM 27/05/2010, you wrote: >>This would be interesting, but controlling a big electric winch. >>Good for weekday fliers who don't have a motor glider. >>They would have to be independant operators though. Would'nt they ! >> >><http://www.xcmag.com/2010/05/skynch/>http://www.xcmag.com/2010/05/skynch/ >>_______________________________________________ >>Aus-soaring mailing list >>Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net >>To check or change subscription details, visit: >>http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring > > Borgelt Instruments - manufacturers of quality soaring instruments since > 1978 > phone Int'l + 61 746 355784 > fax Int'l + 61 746 358796 > cellphone Int'l + 61 428 355784 > > email: mborg...@borgeltinstruments.com > website: www.borgeltinstruments.com > > _______________________________________________ > Aus-soaring mailing list > Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net > To check or change subscription details, visit: > http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.819 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2898 - Release Date: 05/27/10 04:26:00 _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
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