Lockout (winch start)

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The lockout is a dangerous condition at the winch launch of gliders , hang-gliders or paragliders . It is characterized by the fact that the aircraft does not fly towards the winch and the pilot's control forces are not sufficient to correct this.

hazards

Due to the movement perpendicular to the direction of the rope, a considerably stronger pull builds up than with a regular winch start. This pull accelerates the aircraft and continues to drive it away. Without intervention, the aircraft is propelled into the ground at high speed in a few seconds.

Countermeasures

If the flight path deviates slightly from the direction towards the winch when the winch is started, the pilot should first try to correct the flight direction with clear steering movements. If this is no longer possible, there is a lockout and the increasing pull through the rope must be reduced as quickly as possible. This is done by disengaging the pilot. At the same time, the winch driver observes the start. As soon as he notices that the aircraft is in lockout, he cuts the rope.

If the rope is cut, the aircraft must first be stabilized. Then the remaining rope hanging on the aircraft is released and the landing is initiated.

swell