BUILDING CAP’S TEAM... FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW Glider Winch Launch: NER Perspective Col Jim Linker, Dir. NER Glider Program

BUILDING CAP’S TEAM ... FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

Glider Winch Launch: NER Perspective

Col Jim Linker, Dir.NER Glider Program

First LookFirst Look

Presentation Objectives

By the end of this presentation, you should understand:

1.Basic Winch Capabilities.

2.Critical Safety Issues of Operation.

3.Advantages, Limitations and Concerns of Glider Winch Launching.

The NER Winch The NER Winch

CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIESCITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES

Views and ConsiderationViews and Consideration

Winch Launch VideoWinch Launch Video

• Roman Winch performs to specificationRoman Winch performs to specification

• Winch launch has a place in CAP’s glider Winch launch has a place in CAP’s glider programprogram

• An alternative for Cadet O flights, given An alternative for Cadet O flights, given sufficient rwy lengthsufficient rwy length

• Lower cost of operation, maintenanceLower cost of operation, maintenance

• Quiet operationQuiet operation

• Unit is easily towed for relocation, storage.Unit is easily towed for relocation, storage.

OverviewOverview

• Site location is critical.

• Need NLT 2,000’ Alt. Launch. (4,000’ Rwy)

• If less, can’t meet O flight objectives

Overview ContinuedOverview Continued

• Winch launches--when things go wrong, they can go wrong in a hurry

• Communication and procedure is critical to Safety.

• Modified role of Supervisor of Flight and implementation of a scripted launch procedure.

•CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIESCITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES

Overview ContinuedOverview Continued

• Installed Equipment-Winch:

• Air-band radio; PTT switches, headphones each seat.

• Mounted 15’ Antenna

• SoF: Air-band radio et al.

Communications RequirementsCommunications Requirements

• SOF role differs in Winch Launches SOF role differs in Winch Launches vs. Aero Tow in critical waysvs. Aero Tow in critical ways

• Similar to Aero Tow:Similar to Aero Tow:

• Assures conditions on ground and in the air are conducive to safe launch

• No launch commences except under No launch commences except under supervisory control of the SOFsupervisory control of the SOF

Key Role of the Supervisor of Flight Key Role of the Supervisor of Flight (SOF) in Winch Launches(SOF) in Winch Launches

Role of SoF, ContinuedRole of SoF, Continued

• Different from Aero Tow:

•SoF is the conductor of a strictly structured, scripted launch procedure

• Script is practiced by key participants at the start of the launch day

• Script cards are in Glider & Winch

• Process is critical to Launch Safety

SOF: “CAP Winch Ops Prepare To Launch”

Glider: “Winch, 8BA comm check”

Winch: “8BA, loud & clear, how me?”

Glider: “Loud & clear”

Glider: “Dual launch, target speed 55-60 KTS”

Winch: “Dual launch, target 55-60 knots”

Glider: Area clear to launch

SOF: Area clear to launch

1. Establish Communication

Scripted Launch ProcedureScripted Launch Procedure

--SOF sees glider wings level

SOF: “Winch, You are cleared for launch”

Winch: “Cleared for launch”

Glider: “Glider ready”

Winch: “Winch ready”

Glider: “Take-up slack”

Winch: “Taking up slack”

Glider: “Go—Go—Go”

--Winch applies take-off power

2. Launch Sequence


Glider: (after rotation) “50”

Glider: (mid profile) “58”

Glider: (approaching round off) “60”

Winch: (top of arc) “Powering Back”

(release)

3. In-Flight Communications


Emergency Calls:

Ground--

STOP LAUNCH: “Stop—Stop—Stop”

Air--

“Release-Release-Release”

Abnormal (Emergency) Communications


Scripted Launch DemonstratedScripted Launch Demonstrated

• Training: How to accomplish• Winch Drivers• Glider Pilots

• Winch Mobility must be matched with available crew at each site utilized.

• If multiple sites are used, how will CG gliders be relocated between sites.• Aero Tow• Disassembled, Packed, Trailered,

Unpacked, Assembled• Just because the winch is mobile does not

mean the program is

Program Manager ConsiderationsProgram Manager Considerations

Site Selection

• New and different technology spooks traditional airport operators & users

• Cross rwy locations are likely out

• Using 10 gal of diesel fuel per day, winch does not return income to the field

• Friend raising is important

Program Manager ConsiderationsProgram Manager Considerations

Site Selection

• Maximize rwy length

• Height dependant on length

• Winch location can exceed rwy length if area is clear, supports retrieval vehicle and has good lines of sight

• Turf is fine for launch,

• But limited use after rains, esp. if line retrieval vehicle is heavy.

Program Mgr. ConsiderationsProgram Mgr. ConsiderationsSite Selection

Long single rwy - Low traffic environment.

Winch and glider package. With no Tow Plane available.

• Forces team to maximize capabilities of the winch, not rely on aero for high tows.

• Focuses training on winch operations; pilots and winch drivers.


Recommended ModelRecommended Model

Glider Auto Tow

Col Jack BuschmannCAP Glider Program Officer

Maj Bob SemansNVWG Glider Program


Civil Air PatrolCivil Air Patrol


Glider Auto TowsGlider Auto Tows

• Much reduced per launch expense than Much reduced per launch expense than aero towsaero tows

• Very appropriate for student landing Very appropriate for student landing pattern practice pattern practice

Why Auto Tows? Why Auto Tows?


• Much reduced per launch expense than Much reduced per launch expense than aero towsaero tows

• Very appropriate for student landing Very appropriate for student landing pattern practice pattern practice

• Lower equipment start-up cost than winch Lower equipment start-up cost than winch launch operations!launch operations!



• Acceleration on takeoff is faster than aero Acceleration on takeoff is faster than aero tow, but slower than winch launchestow, but slower than winch launches

• Climb profile is the same as with winch Climb profile is the same as with winch launcheslaunches



• Acceleration on takeoff is faster than aero Acceleration on takeoff is faster than aero tow, but slower than winch launchestow, but slower than winch launches

• Climb profile is the same as with winch Climb profile is the same as with winch launcheslaunches

• So, pilot training with auto tow makes for So, pilot training with auto tow makes for good transition to winch launchesgood transition to winch launches



• Tow Vehicle used in WAWG & NVWGTow Vehicle used in WAWG & NVWG

• CAP Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew CabCAP Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab

• Hi speed 4 wheel driveHi speed 4 wheel drive

• Tail gate removedTail gate removed

Auto Tow Equipment Auto Tow Equipment


• Tow line releases:Tow line releases:

• Schweizer:Schweizer:

• Tost:Tost:



• Tow Line: Spectra, Dyneema or Tow Line: Spectra, Dyneema or DacronDacron



• Weak links: TOST calibrated breaking Weak links: TOST calibrated breaking strength based on glider weightstrength based on glider weight



• Weak links: TOST calibrated breaking Weak links: TOST calibrated breaking strength based on glider weightstrength based on glider weight

• Strop: to keep weak link hardware Strop: to keep weak link hardware away from fuselage during launchaway from fuselage during launch



• A function of:A function of:

• HeadwindHeadwind

• Field elevation/density altitudeField elevation/density altitude

• Towline lengthTowline length

• Length of tow vehicle runLength of tow vehicle run

• Proper tow vehicle speedProper tow vehicle speed

• Pilot skillPilot skill

Altitude Achieved?Altitude Achieved?


• A function of:A function of:

• HeadwindHeadwind

• Field elevation/density altitudeField elevation/density altitude

• Towline lengthTowline length

• Length of tow vehicle runLength of tow vehicle run

• Proper tow vehicle speedProper tow vehicle speed

• Pilot skillPilot skill

If optimized, ~ 65% of tow line lengthIf optimized, ~ 65% of tow line length



• Example for Blanik L-23 with:Example for Blanik L-23 with:

• No windNo wind

• Density altitude of 5,500 feetDensity altitude of 5,500 feet

• 1,750 foot tow line1,750 foot tow line

• Truck run of 5,000 feetTruck run of 5,000 feet

• Truck speed of 60 mphTruck speed of 60 mph

= Release altitude of ~1,100 AGL= Release altitude of ~1,100 AGL



• Glider launch siteGlider launch site

• Tow vehicleTow vehicle

• Optional tow line retrieve vehicleOptional tow line retrieve vehicle

Operational Ground StaffingOperational Ground Staffing


• Glider launch site – Minimum 3; Glider launch site – Minimum 3; same as winch operations:same as winch operations:

• Supervisor of Flying (SoF)Supervisor of Flying (SoF)

• Tow line hook up/Wing runnerTow line hook up/Wing runner

• Safety OfficerSafety Officer

OperationalOperational Ground StaffingGround Staffing



• Tow vehicle – Minimum 3; 2 more than Tow vehicle – Minimum 3; 2 more than winch ops with only 1 winch operatorwinch ops with only 1 winch operator

• Auto Tow Operator (ATO)/DriverAuto Tow Operator (ATO)/Driver

• Observer/Radio person (ATC)Observer/Radio person (ATC)

• Tow line release person (ATC)Tow line release person (ATC)




• Tow vehicle – Minimum 3; 2 more than Tow vehicle – Minimum 3; 2 more than winch ops with only 1 winch operatorwinch ops with only 1 winch operator

• Optional tow line retrieve vehicle – Optional tow line retrieve vehicle – Minimum 2; same as winch operationsMinimum 2; same as winch operations

• Retrieve Vehicle DriverRetrieve Vehicle Driver

• Tow Line Retrieval AssistantTow Line Retrieval Assistant



• For CAP auto tow vehicle crew training For CAP auto tow vehicle crew training and qualification requirements, see and qualification requirements, see Attachment 4 of CAPM 60-1G -- Attachment 4 of CAPM 60-1G -- Glider Program Procedures ManualGlider Program Procedures Manual



• As with winch launches, a disciplined As with winch launches, a disciplined launch communications procedure is launch communications procedure is essential for safe operations!essential for safe operations!

Safety ConsiderationsSafety Considerations



• Get quality training for pilots and Get quality training for pilots and ground staff from experienced auto tow ground staff from experienced auto tow CFIGs and operations staffCFIGs and operations staff




• Get quality training for pilots and Get quality training for pilots and ground staff from experienced auto tow ground staff from experienced auto tow CFIGs and operations staffCFIGs and operations staff

• Go to established CAP auto tow Go to established CAP auto tow sites, or have training teams come sites, or have training teams come to your site … or bothto your site … or both



• Important site selection criteria:Important site selection criteria:

• If at an airport, essentially no other If at an airport, essentially no other GA traffic.GA traffic.

• Avoid runways that have lights, Avoid runways that have lights, signs, VASI or other obstructing signs, VASI or other obstructing structuresstructures

• Good tow vehicle trackGood tow vehicle track

• Broad alternative landing areasBroad alternative landing areas



A Taste of an Auto Tow A Taste of an Auto Tow LaunchLaunch


Auto Tow VideoClick Here

• Low cost per sortieLow cost per sortie

• Much lower equipment cost than winchMuch lower equipment cost than winch

• Good training environmentGood training environment

• For safety, requires a disciplined and For safety, requires a disciplined and well trained teamwell trained team

• Established CAP auto tow teams can Established CAP auto tow teams can helphelp

Glider Auto Tow OperationsGlider Auto Tow Operations


Glider Aero Tow

Col Jack BuschmannCAP Glider Program Officer


• Ops in compliance with CAPM 60-1GOps in compliance with CAPM 60-1G

• Education – SSF Education – SSF Tow Pilot Course

Glider Auto Tow OperationsGlider Auto Tow Operations


Questions?Feedback?

[email protected]

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Civil Air Patrol

…Citizens Serving Communities!

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BUILDING CAP’S TEAM... FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW Glider Winch Launch: NER Perspective Col Jim Linker, Dir. NER Glider Program