On Apr 16, 5:59*pm, ContestID67 wrote:
On Apr 16, 5:40*pm, Steve Koerner wrote:

As the OP points out, there are two separate objectives. *One is to be
able to release quickly while the other is to not release
accidently.

Attaching the release cable to your hand has the potential to slightly
quicken the release action but in doing so, you are greatly
compromising the second goal. *Since we're offering 2 cent advise
her
GW

Thanks for your thoughts.

A PTT has the potential of...basically landing out. *That comes with
all the attendent issues of dinging/breaking the glider but rarely
harming the pilot. *I suppose this depends on a number of factors like
PTT height above the ground, the runway's over-run area, fences,
crops, etc, etc.

The other side of this coin is my fear (maybe unfounded) of the
dreaded "balloon". *In that case I am almost guaranteed to be
physically the worse for wear after the event...and maybe a lot
worse. *Because I witnessed one, I am hyper-sensitized to it.

This is all risk analysis. *What is the likelihood of the event I am
protecting against (balloon)? *Is it so remote that the concern is
unfounded and the "cure is worse than the disease"?

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts.

While I appreciate all the issues here I find myself with a different
view. I've been in the weeds twice with bad wing runners at high
desert airports and find that to be by far the higher risk.

My takeoff procedure is: 1) Flaps full negative to reduce the angle of
attack while the tailwheel is on the ground, 2) Hand on airbrake
handle at half open. Both 1&2 increase aileron effectiveness on my
ship. 3) Once I have aileron control, but well below flying speed,
close the divebrakes, move the flaps to tow position. 4) Ease the
stick forward to raise the tailwheel and move hand to near the
release, but not touching it. (I find the risk of accidental release
from turbulence to be greater than not being able to grab the
release). 5) Liftoff.

Procedure is slightly different for nosewheel/skid.

The point is that there is a distinct phase of flight where wing drop
and runway excursion is most likely and separate phase of flight where
ballooning is the main risk - they are in my experience always
separated by several seconds that allow me to do manage for both. I
suppose if you are doing a winch launch it might be different.

9B