Andeas:


Andreas

p.s.:
I think it's usually the response of the winch driver that results in
an airspeed increase: If the winch driver notices a sudden
pitch-decrease (or an abnormal low pitch) of the gilder, he assumes
that the gider is too slow and adds power.
We don't have (and don't need) a voice communication between glider
and winch.

Bye
Andreas

Despite the danger that Bill Daniels calling me dangerous or some
other unsubstantiated claim, I post here to agree with you 100%.
Playing around with the airspeed should not be the focus of the
launch. It is the winch driver who controls this to the greatest
degree.

Safety and minimizing risk should be the main focus of the pilot.

The incidents mentioned here, are indicative of an increase in risks
during winch launches when trying to influence airspeed as discussed
in this thread. Weak links breaking as you're pulling back to put
strain on the winch or the premature back releases of the cable as
you're pulling are certainly not desirable nor add to safety.

I am with Andreas that from the pilot's point of view, it should be a
simple matter. The winch driver will also get a clue as to what's
happening by observing the glider. However, by pushing and pulling as
discussed here, the winch driver may not be able to figure out what's
going on and perhaps not respond at all or respond in a way that makes
thing worse.

Since the winch driver is the one who has the most control over speed,
you really don't want to confuse him or her.