On Sep 8, 1:16*pm, FBCompton wrote:
Probably less than the number of understrength ropes/weak links. *But
that's a different issue being addressed by regulatory authorities.

Bill,

Which regulatory authorities and where are they doing the addressing?

The FAA & NTSB based on a conversation during a recent accident
investigation. The NTSB showed up at an accident site that would not
normally be on their radar - i.e. a minor accident with no in-flight
breakup, fire or fatality.

Their main interest was the weak link, ring set and release hook
maintenance/replacement records. They were obviously educating
themselves while building a data set for a report leading to further
action.

Another point which arose in that discussion is that if your POH says
you need a 650 KG weak link with a + or - 10% tolerance for both winch
and aero tow, the old 80 - 200% rule doesn't satisfy that
requirement. In most cases, the POH value falls within the 80-200%
range. but if it doesn't, the POH weak link value trumps the 80-200%
rule.