I have just read this article pointing out one of the reputed idiosyncrasies of the Asw15.
For anyone who has not flown an Asw15, I can assure you they are as safe as any glider you will come across. At my gliding club, a fairly challenging hill site where only winch launching is possible, we have no less than five Asw15’s and it is regarded as one of the best first syndicate gliders for early solo pilots.
My own Asw15B has an aerotow hook fitted and a tail wheel. However, we do have the described off-centre (to the left of centre) tow hook used on winch launching. I may be missing something here but this generally means in neutral conditions the nose tends to want to veer to the right and not the left as described in the article ( Hence the contention that full left rudder will counter the swing)?
Further, the advice does not cover the component forces of a winch launch where there is a significant crosswind and/or slope (E.g. Winch Launching at a Hill site) in which case the pull down slope caused by the weight of the cable and/or the weather cocking effect of the wind have an over riding effect that may mean starting with full opposite left rudder, as suggested, could be completely the wrong thing to do?
Can I also suggest that this obviously well meaning article (and I mean neither offence nor disrespect to the authors) needs to separate out and clarify quite distinctly the different techniques appropriate to a winch launch as opposed to an aerotow. Whilst I know what was meant, as it stands, it could conceivably be misinterpreted by the unwary to mean full stick back and full left rudder is a good tip when starting a winch launch?
((For those in any doubt it isn’t, Image the scenario of doing this when the overriding crosswind and slope forces are likely to swing the nose to the left on takeoff? Your (possibly inexperienced) winch driver is over enthusiastic with the initial power? The glider goes off like a rocket, rotates from the ground with yaw at a steep angle– possible result? – A high speed stall with yaw (which is by definition?) - Yes “A Spin” - in this case vertically on the wire from zero+ feet; a situation from which glider and pilot are extremely unlikely to survive unscathed?))[/ii]
My personal advice to any pilot flying any glider for the first time (and I am not an instructor) is to get a proper briefing appropriate to the conditions on the day from a qualified instructor who is familiar with the type.
Incidentally, the BGA in the UK produce a very good leaflet about the hazards of winch launching generally. It can be found at this link http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/safety/safewinchlaunching.htm
There are also some very enlightening video clip showing the consequences of getting it wrong – well worth a few minutes viewing for any glider pilot (irrespective of experience level!) – Even if you disagree with every word I have said.
Enjoy, be Safe and Happy Landings (and Launches) to All !!
