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Old May 31st 12, 10:31 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Don Johnstone[_4_]
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Posts: 398
Default Compare/Contrast: CG hook on aerotow vs. CG hook on winch

At 15:34 25 May 2012, T wrote:

If on the ground, a wing goes down and you are pulled to the low wing
and can't correct, RELEASE!


The above statement is probably the best advice you will ever receive, if I
was picky I would make it even shorter, "If on the ground, a wing goes
down, RELEASE!"
Several years ago the BGA in the UK recommended that the hand was on the
release at all times once the cable is attached (winch and aerotow). This
means that the pilot cannot give hand signals for the take up slack/all out
so the attachment of the cable is the indication that the pilot is ready
for launch. If the pilot wants to stop the launch he releases. In flapped
gliders I used a length of para cord attached to the release and looped
over my wrist.
I had reservations about this system but on balance it is the safest of the
alternatives, early release prevents a bad situation becoming a disaster.