On Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:33:24 +0000, Martin Gregorie
wrote:

Speaking for myself, I watched the video and saw a succession of
launches with right wing low. As wing low launching is something that,
on my field, would earn you a talk with the duty instructor, I was
unhappy with the description of this being a "best practices" event and
said so.

I agree, Martin.
I've never seen such a series of really critical winch launches
before. With all due respect - a very serious ground-loop accident is
going to happen rather sooner than later.


Comment on launch speed. The rules we use a
- after lift off, maintain a shallow climb until the ASI passes 50 kts
with steady acceleration.
- then and only then rotate slowly. The ideal is to complete rotation
not less than 5 seconds after lift off.
- we have a high torque, high inertia, fluid clutch winch. The pilot
cannot and should not attempt to control its speed except by
signalling the winch driver.
- if you're above Vwinch when the launch starts to flatten toward the
top (i.e. when the angle is below 35 degrees or so), release.
- if the speed drops toward 50 kts, lower the nose to maintain at least
50 kts and monitor the speed.
- if the speed picks up, resume the climb.
- if the nose approaches level and the speed doesn't rise, release.

The same rules apply for us. Works like a charm.



Bye
Andreas