Karl Striedieck

WINCH LAUNCHING

.

Winch launch training at Eagle Field is intended to acquaint interested pilots with the physics and procedures of ground launching a sailplane using a winch as the source of energy for attaining an altitude suitable for student training and thermal flying Satisfactory completion of the course will qualify the pilot for a FAA ground launch endorsement by a CFIG and a biennial flight review (BFR).

The glider used is a Duo Discus and the winch is a Gehrlein-built, 330 HP unit using Spectra rope. As employed at Eagle Field, usual release altitudes are between 1,200 and 1,500 feet using 3,100 feet of rope.

The number of flights needed for the endorsement will vary according to the pilot’s needs and past experience. Some will need only a handful, but most will need more than that to be proficient .

A side benefit to the winch training program is the exposure to a more demanding pattern and landing situation. Basic stick and rudder skills are enhanced by the challenges of approach-end trees, a sloped and rolling runway and the requirement to be stopped at the launch point. These conditions are similar to challenges pilots may face in out landings, but can’t duplicate at their home fields.

Candidates will be expected to use all the information and training material recommended prior to arriving at Eagle Field so that the time there can be devoted mostly to flying. Normally, there will be multiple students for each course and they will assist with the flying operations and learn from observation and debriefing sessions.

Flying is usually completed on Saturday, the first day, with Sunday being a backup for weather.

Participants are welcome to use one of the three spare bedrooms and breakfast and lunch are included.

Signing of a legal release is a requirement for participation.

Cost for the course is $250 regardless of the number of flights made. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required for registration.

For more information contact Karl Striedieck at karls@uplink.net or 814 237 7996


WINCH LAUNCHING
.	Winch launch training at Eagle Field is intended to acquaint interested pilots with the physics and procedures of ground launching a sailplane using a winch as the source of energy for attaining an altitude suitable for student training and thermal flying Satisfactory completion of the course will qualify the pilot for a FAA ground launch endorsement by a CFIG and a biennial flight review (BFR). The glider used is a Duo Discus and the winch is a Gehrlein-built, 330 HP unit using Spectra rope. As employed at Eagle Field, usual release altitudes are between 1,200 and 1,500 feet using 3,100 feet of rope. The number of flights needed for the endorsement will vary according to the pilot’s needs and past experience. Some will need only a handful, but most will need more than that to be proficient . A side benefit to the winch training program is the exposure to a more demanding pattern and landing situation. Basic stick and rudder skills are enhanced by the challenges of approach-end trees, a sloped and rolling runway and the requirement to be stopped at the launch point. These conditions are similar to challenges pilots may face in out landings, but can’t duplicate at their home fields. Candidates will be expected to use all the information and training material recommended prior to arriving at Eagle Field so that the time there can be devoted mostly to flying. Normally, there will be multiple students for each course and they will assist with the flying operations and learn from observation and debriefing sessions. Flying is usually completed on Saturday, the first day, with Sunday being a backup for weather. Participants are welcome to use one of the three spare bedrooms and breakfast and lunch are included. Signing of a legal release is a requirement for participation. Cost for the course is $250 regardless of the number of flights made. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required for registration. For more information contact Karl Striedieck at karls@uplink.net or 814 237 7996

Updated 25-Sep-2022