On Mon, 01 Jul 2013 08:44:50 -0700, Bill D wrote:

Nigel, I read your post and it's mostly an "old wives tale".

Yes, gliders lower their tails which can be an issue on hard surfaces so
someone holds them down as seen in the PW-5 video. On turf, it's a
non-issue.

Er, no!

Most British clubs also hold the tail down if we're launching a DG-50x
regardless of what the surface is. The tail really crashes down with
them, almost regardless of how strong the initial acceleration is.

I haven't winched a PW-5, not a Ka-8 so have no direct experience there.

However its also worth knowing that some types have a tendency to snap
rotate as they leave the ground on a winch launch unless you start the
run with almost full forward stick. I've seen more Ka-8s start like this
than not.

I also know from direct experience that full forward trim and a little
forward pressure beyond that is needed when winching an H.201 Libelle: do
that and you get a smooth lift-off at the ground attitude.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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