Launching

When the pilot gives the order to connect the cable, it is attached and the launch point marshall checks that it is safe to launch and no other aircraft are in the way or on approach. He then gives the order “Take up Slack” and the winch driver then slowly reels in the cable until there is no slack left. Then the order “All out” is given and winching begins. The glider will accelerate very quickly and within a few seconds will be airborne. It will continue to accelerate until it reaches a certain speed at which point it will be rotated into a climb. After a while the pull of the winch will reduce the angle of the climb and the cable will be released. Typically, the glider will now be at 900 – 1,500 feet (300 – 450m) above the airfield.