On Jun 2, 9:31*am, Andy wrote:
On Jun 2, 1:43*am, Paul wrote:

1. Sometimes a weak link is not used at all. The gliders are attached
directly to the winch cable (via drogue chute and various connectors).

I can only hope there is some part of the connect system has been
designed to function as the weak link and that you don't understand
how it was designed the work. *The alternative is that your club has
decided it's quite ok for the wings to depart the glider during a
launch.

You must understand the cable system and know that it is compatible
with your glider's limitations before you accept a launch. *Your
concerns are valid.

Andy

IMO it is easily a violation of FAR 91.13(a) careless and reckless
operation and if there is ever a launching incident that the FAA
investigates and it is found that NO weak link is being used when one
is required I am sure someone will end up with a suspended license at
best.

I hope Andy is correct and there really is a system in place that you
are just not aware of so discuss it with your CFI.

However it is important to understand that while the weak link is a
critical part of the launch system, it will take more that missing to
have “wings fall off the airplane” The weak link is just a portion of
the complete safety system. And while it may be possible to damage the
structure of the aircraft, mostly likely the Tow hook or related
structure, the wings will stay on the aircraft unless other safety
mechanisms are ignored as well.

Specifically what I am saying is that unless you are exceeding the
Maximum Winch Launch speed of the glider it should be impossible to
overstress the wings as the wing will stall before exceeding maximum
structural load of the aircraft.

Brian