On Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:40:49 -0800 (PST), tommytoyz
wrote:


from the pilot's point of view, it should be a
simple matter.

I think that's the main point.

@Bill:
I really love the fact that you are trying to promote winch launching
in the US - but (please correct me if I'm wrong) from the comments
here in this newsgroup I get the impression that you US guys regard
the winch launch as something pretty hazardous that needs a lot of
technology to be safe.
Consequently, your approach to a US winch design looks a little
over-engineered to me, I have to admit. Complex and expensive to
build, hard to set up correctly. Possibly prone to mechanical
problems.

Us European guys seem to see things in a more relaxed way - we tend to
advocate training instead of technological devices to achieve safe
winch operations.

Considering the number of accident-free winch launches per year on my
side of the pond, don't you think that it might be useful to stick
more closely to the KISS-principle ("keep it simple, stupid"), forget
all that high-tech stuff and concentrate on correct training?

Nearly all the winches here are basically very simple.
Anything a winch needs is a strong diesel engine, two drums, 3.500 ft
of cable (be it steel or plastic). No rocket science involved.




Bye
Andreas