On Sep 27, 12:49*am, Bob wrote:
Frank

Checking my logbook I find that, excluding training flights, my sucess
rate on winch launch is about 60%. Sucess is rated by climbing to a
height that allows me to glide to the next thermal. Some of our pilots
have better percentages because they are more "discerning" about when
they will take a flight.

Bob

Actually, on thermic days our club achieves about an 80 percent 'hook'
rate. Pilots often release from aero tow lower than nominal winch
release height in similar conditions. What winch pilots find is that
lift starts quite early many days. The aero tow queue piles up about
1pm.

Several days include two shears, surface flow to about 600-800ft, and
another about 1400-1600ft and may be impacted by the passage of one or
two convergence lines in the afternoon resulting in temporary or
permanent 180 degree wind shifts. We have a house thermal area near
the most common IP, but sometimes it's clear that the best lift is in
the opposite direction, or over the launch point rather than the
winch. Thanks when I give a nudge.

Frank