At 17:27 07 May 2013, Bill D wrote:
On Tuesday, May 7, 2013 11:07:58 AM UTC-6, Morgan wrote:

We are working on getting our glider winch going. I will let you know
how I think they compare once we have our ducks in a row and are
launching
with it.

Morgan

As part of "getting your ducks in a row" please plan on some formal winch
training.

AMEN to that, not only have I been on the receiving end of 10000 lauches
but I have probably done even more as a winch driver.
I have driven converted WW2 balloon wiches, converted bus, rover car and
combine harvester winches and others up to the Munster Van Gelder and
Skylaunch. They are all inherently hazardous but with properly trained
drivers and correct procedures the risks can be minimised. The key is the
simpler the better.
A few dollars spent in getting the expertise and proper training will save
money and more importantly lives.
Even with the expertise we have over here we still get caught out from time
to time and we are still learning, well some of us are.