On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 14:08:05 UTC, (Herbert
Kilian) wrote:

: In most other countries (input from Europe, Australia, S.
: Africa etc. welcome) they put a helper at the controls (in the
: cockpit) and the pilot asks for specific movements i.e. 'elevator full
: up, elevator full down' with the helper repeating the words and
: applying force to the controls.

The general custom in the UK seems to be to do positive control checks
with the pilot in the cockpit at, or just before, the launch point. I
like this, myself, as the tow across the field gives loose things a
good chance to fall off. At least one club I have flown at - following
a fatal accident - requires the PCC to be noted in the flying log
before a launch is given. This seems a thoroughly sound idea to me.

In the unfortunate case described, the error seems to have been in
assuming that a connection which can push can also pull.

I am all against over dependence on check lists and, in particular,
against using them to replace airmanship. However, I can't see how the
accident in question can be blamed on check list use. It would seem to
be due to a mixture of a) rigging error b) poorly carried out control
check and c) poor training in rigging and carrying out control checks.

Ian