caption: Winch Launch Since a glider has no engine it must be accelerated to its flying speed in some other way.
exif: {"Image DocumentName": "Winch Launch Since a glider has no engine it must be accelerated to its flying speed in some other way.", "Image ImageDescription": "One method is using the Winched Launched method. A winch is a drum on which is wound about 1,500 metres of strong, flexible steel cable. The drum is turned by a powerful engine which the winch driver controls through an automatic gearbox. The winch is normally sited close to the upwind boundary of the airfield. The cable is attached to the rear of a motor vehicle and drawn out to the launch point at the other end of the airfield, downwind of the winch. When the pilot is ready the cable is attached to the glider. The pilot checks there is no hazard from behind, by asking the wing tip holder ALL CLEAR ABOVE AND BEHIND and calls TAKE UP SLACK . This instruction is passed to the winch driver by a signaller using either lamp signals or large bats. On receiving the signal the winch driver slowly reels in the cable until it is taut. When the pilot is satisfied that the slack has been taken up the order ALL OUT is given. The signaller signals this to the winch driver who then opens the winch throttle to wind the cable in. The cable pulls the glider forward and after a short distance it becomes airborne. Initially the glider climbs gently, but the attitude quickly steepens and height is gained rapidly. When the cable is about 70\u00b0 to the horizontal, the pilot releases it and is then free to commence the gliding exercise. When released, the cable falls to earth, steadied by a small parachute. It is then reeled in by the winch driver ready for the next launch. The height achieved from a winch launch varies with wind strength, the speed at which the cable is being wound onto the drum, and the length of cable being used. However, as a rough estimate the height gained is usually about one third of the cable length being used (eg 1,000 metres of cable gives a launch height of 1,000 feet). A winch launched flight normally lasts for 6-10 minutes, giving the pilot ample time to complete some exercises and a standard circuit of the airfield.", "Image XResolution": "200", "Image YResolution": "200", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Inch", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}