Overview

All conventional gliding schools use the Munster Van Gelder winch to launch their aircraft. Cables are pulled from the winch across the airfield, and are then attached to the aircraft. After having taken any slack from the cable by pulling it in slowly, the winch will increase power considerably to pull the aircraft through the air to launch it. The Viking will achieve speeds of between 55-60 knots during launch.

Aircraft will normally achieve heights of around 1000ft from a winch launch at 615, but in good conditions have been known to reach 1600ft

Specification

• 6 drums each with approx. 3000ft of steel cable.
• Turbocharged diesel engine.
• Weighs approximately 8 tons.
• Pneumatic guillotines fitted in case of cable release failure.
• Parachutes fitted to cables to ensure steady descent after release.
• Is towed using Lamborghini Tractor.

Operation

Winching is normally done by more junior members of staff, but all grades must stay current with winching operations. Winch driver training is usually given to new staff soon after they join and students will be trained in all weather conditions and emergency procedures. They will undertake a considerable amount of practice dual winching until competent to take the winch drivers test.

Signals are given to the winch by lights at the launch point. A radio is also used to communicate with the launch point.