Chris Nicholas wrote:
Thanks for answers so far.

Derek, we have two ex-ATC winches (Eagle or Wild – not sure which), re-
equipped with USA-made V8’s and auto gearboxes. Both run on LPG or
similar. One has a completely new cab, the other a modified cab.

We bought the basic winches in about 1991 at auction, cost less than
£1000 (say $1600) each. First was modified by ourselves at very low
cost, with an ex-Ford Tow truck 5.6L V8 and associated auto
transmission. The second we used a winch-builder at another gliding
club who had built their Tost winch, and he modified ours including
new big V8 and auto transmission, and the completely new cab. I think
we spent about £14000 on the conversion, and completed a bit ourselves
at very modest extra cost.

Chris N.


I can add that I've launched from at least one of those winches, and had
very nice launches. Probably down to the driver, though there's clearly
nothing wrong with the winch(es).

Hint for US clubs who go for a winch - pilots should always thank the
winch driver for good launches, and explain what went wrong if a launch
is not satisfactory. This feedback helps the driver to improve, and also
means that your own foibles might be catered for in future launches!
Poor launches are often the pilot's own fault, and winch drivers like to
know that it wasn't their poor driving.