Greetings
Do we really have to winch with full pedal all the way up the line? Remember,
the more line we take in, the less altitude we can get. If the flight window
starts after we get off the line, I don't see a reason to rush the launch. I
see many pilots tap the glider up the line, then build tension near the top for
a great zoom. This would be appropriate when there is a launch wind.. Down
wind? This is full pedal time! I don't think there can be enough tension to
break the line...
My winch doesn't seem to have a problem with line breaks. Even with a full
pedal launch.. I attribute this to the drum diameter.. It has more torque, less
speed. With lots of speed, a winch will bog down. We loose tension when this
happens. I prefer high torque. I think contest directors should consider this.
It would eliminate many of the line breaks... And you still will get a great
launch.
I agree that we can't blame winches for not handling the larger gliders.. We
need to manage the glider better up the line.. If we want to have new standards
for winches, that would be ok. I think the smaller diameter drum would be the
cheapest way to cure the line break problem...
I will be at the SWC in Feb. Remember last year?? Line break city??? Perhaps
we all can make a good effort to manage our tension?
I will be flying my Sharon. I will have two with me. I will sell one of them
after the contest.
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.
Cheers
Charlie
