The sailplane is attached to one end of 800–1200 metres (about 2,500–4,000 ft) of cable and the winch rapidly winds it in.

Both require skill from the glider pilot and from either the pilot of the tow plane or the winch driver, if the launch is to be safe and successful. The basic rule is that the speed must be held with the elevator between the two allowable limits. An engine powers a large winch on the ground and a long cable connects the winch to another release mechanism located on the underside of the glider. The winch launch will take you to approximately 1,000 ft in a matter of seconds before releasing the glider from the tug so your flight can start. Since it did launch my 90 incher with ease I am guessing a regular BD would probably launch OK. Winch launch is highly repetitive and the list of skills demanded is not lengthy. There are three main types of rising air used by glider pilots to increase flight times: Thermals; Ridge lift ; Wave lift; Thermals. The intent is to “embrace and extend” the best of world winch designs. Transition into the full climb is fine. The way they work is they have a much lower breaking point than the winch wire. Human Factors It almost goes without saying winch launch is not for everyone, but no healthy person willing to undertake a formal instruction program should have problems. However, those skills which are required must be learned extremely well. Perhaps this is because I spent most of my “professional” flying as a fighter pilot, so did a lot formation flying.

This proposal will discuss improvements that include, but are not limited to,

In my opinion, the aerotow launch demands less skill on the part of the glider pilot than does a winch launch. glider pilots.

Winches are dangerous so cautious, deliberate action at all times is essential. winch itself to the launch point and glider, and include cable towing and retrieve operations.

Usually surprisingly well. If that is not possible an immediate release is necessary after which fly as if it were a cable break. If you examine glider handbooks, the strength of the recommended weak link for winch launch is usually about 1.2 to 1.4 times the gliders gross weight but sometimes it's less. During cruising flight, headwinds reduce the groundspeed of the glider. Aero tow ~ The glider is towed into the air behind another airplane.

Gliders are often launched using a winch mounted on a trailer or heavy vehicle.

You can either sit back and enjoy the ride or take the controls under expert instruction to get the most out of your experience. the glider. (Aero tow is also formation flying, giving "bragging rights" to the sailplane pilot so inclined.) This winch was not powerful enough or fast enough to get the job done.

After the initial launch, the speed of the winch is just too great. Aerotow In the last decade, new materials and technologies as well as an increased understanding of the dynamics of winch launch have made significant improvements possible.


When the winch is activated, the glider is pulled along the ground toward the winch and takes off, climbing rapidly. Winch Launching Initial launch is fine.