"Peter Dohm" wrote in message
.. .
"Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote in message
. ..

"cavelamb himself" wrote in message
...
Bill Daniels wrote:

And I GUARANTEE it attracts young people. You can't buy a ride like
that at Disneyland.
See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOp_EsplxDM

Bill Daniels



Unfortunately, the liability issue kills the whole thing before it can
even get off the ground.


--

Richard

(remove the X to email)

What liability issue? Everything is insured.

This is done throughout the world as well as in the USA. The glider
policy covers the occupants and the airfield policy covers the winch. In
fact, the insurance is much cheaper than for an airplane. Although it is
very exciting, it isn't particularly dangerous if done by well trained
pilots and winch operators.

Bill Daniels

First, let me confess that my total actual experience in a glider was a
single flight in a 2 seat Blanik and was launched by aero-tow.

That said, and just looking at the mechanics of the thing, I suspect that
a winch is probably the safest way to launch a glider--at least in an area
where you don't need the extra altitude that an aero-tow can provide. So,
where applicable, and with proberly trained pilots as you pointed out, it
should be an ideal way to incorporate gliders into a Young Eagles program.
It seems to have all of the best elements: (1) just about as safe as it
can get, (2) just about as cheap as it can get, and (3) utterly
fascinating for kids from 8 to 80!

It might revive chapters and entire airports.

Peter

The theoretical maximum height from a winch launch is half the initial rope
length. (4000' runway gets 2000' AGL) Most operations achieve at least 40%.
With most runways, this will be higher than auto tow. Of course, if you
have unlimited room like a huge dry lake, auto tow will get you higher.
Winch launches in Germany have reached 5400' AGL from a 10,000' runway.