On Sep 4, 2:56 pm, Ian wrote:
On 4 Sep, 10:37, Andreas Maurer wrote:

Why not simply keep the left hand *very* close to the release handle
as suggested by standard operating procedure?

We used to have a system in the UK which ensured this: the pilot waved
one finger for "take up slack" and two for "all out". Thus the launch
didn't start until the signaller was assured that the pilot had a hand
free. Now the launch starts when the signaller feels like it, and s/he
just has to hope that the pilot has a hand near the release, and not
scratching himself, adjusting the altimeter, twiddling with the GPS -
or actually on the release, ready for an unwanted pull off when the
wheel hits a bump.

We now have a system in which the pilot decides when to hand control
over to the launch point, by asking for the cable to be attached. He/
she shouldn't do that until the are absolutely ready to launch. When
launching I don't have a free hand, as one is on the stick and the
other is holding or touching the yellow knob. I wouldn't want to take
my hand off that yellow knob (especially in the Discus) as if I need
it in a hurry I can be sure I'll have trouble finding it. The one
time I've had to pull off I was glad all I had to do was do it, rather
than struggle to find the knob in a new type of glider.

So, personally, I hope we stick with the current system.