On Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:42:24 -0700, bildan wrote:

OK, maybe, as long as it isn't priority 1 - but now you are introducing
a power fade which is a different animal.

They aren't taught as distinct happenings here - just as winch launch
failures. I agree that they are seldom confused, but the actions to be
taken after a cable break or after a power fade is recognised are the
same: (1) nose down to establish approach speed, (2) make sure cable is
off (3).....

No one has ever said, "Wow, that's confusing - how do you
tell the difference?"

....and I didn't say or imply that anybody confuses the two.

(C.) However, this one deserves serious consideration. A break is an
obvious "thump" and an upward surge. (Spectra/Dyneema rope generates a
much more obvious thump than steel.)

Even when it breaks at the winch end? I wouldn't know - I've not yet
flown on the stuff.

Assuming the pilot is monitoring airspeed, a power fade means the nose
will coming down and be down to a normal glide attitude and airspeed as
power is totally lost - just as at the top of a normal launch.

If its a slow fade the airspeed may easily be lower than approach speed.
IME a slow fade is harder to recognize and deal with than a sudden cut or
a break.


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martin@ | Martin Gregorie
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