On Friday, October 4, 2013 3:57:04 PM UTC-4, JohnDeRosa wrote:
Couple of things; 1) THIS THREAD IS ABOUT YOUR HAND ON THE RELEASE! NOT ON THE SPOILERS! Can we all say "oops"? 2) I had a PTT when I had my hand on the release. Never again. 3) That being said (#2 above) I saw a friend get in trouble on tow and couldn't find the release handle due to G forces (scratch one glider). So I came up with a fairly long lanyard that goes from the release knob to my wrist. In this way small movements of my hand won't impact the release but, in an emergency, a half way hands up gesture of "you're under arrest" will release the tow. Luckily I have never used this. Needless to say I use the knob for a non-emergency releases. Here is a link to my Mark 1 version (Bumper type model numbering), I don't have a shot of Mark II with its adjustable palm knob and black nylon webbing. http://aviation.derosaweb.net/images...selandyard.JPG My $0.02. - John

The lanyard loop is a fairly old solution that, I understand resulted from Gerhard Waibel not being able to get to the release on a '20 at Eagle Field resulting in a crunch of sorts. Interestingly, the releases on all his following gliders are up on the left and easily seen and gripped.
For 19's and 20's and such, we make a loop out of about 24 inches of parachute cord that loops around the release handle. The pilot lays this across his left thigh, and the release is easily found and pulled if needed quickly.. Holding the loop with slack would present minimal risk of accidently releasing and yet provides the benefit of quick access.
People adding to other ships should consider what such a loop may interfere with when implementing.
I guard the release during the early part of ground launches, but stay away from it on aero tow.
Another voice heard from
UH