The way it is usually done now in the UK is that you do not accept the
launch rope or wire until you are ready to launch. Once you have accepted
it you can expect the launch to start without further communication with the
pilot.

So do not connect the cable until you are ready to launch; if you change
your mind, release.

The reason for this is so that the pilot can concentrate on the launch
without worrying about signalling to the ground crew, and can have both
hands where required for launching.

It has been this way for competition launches in the UK for many years, it
is now universal for club launches.

Some clubs use a further convention as well. When the ground crew level
the wings the glider is attached and ready to launch. So do not level the
wings until ready to go.

Ground crews have to accept that the pilot will not allow the cable to be
attached until in all respects ready to start the launch.

W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.).
Remove "ic" to reply.


"Andy" wrote in message
oups.com...

" Remember that in the UK the pilot does not order the
launch to commence, someone does that for him"

Wow! that changed since I was there. What happened to one finger for
take up slack and 2 fingers for "all out". How is it done now?

Andy