PGC instructors and members meet at the start of winch operations to discuss procedures and the check-out process. (Photo by Beyer)

The glider sets up at the end of runway 25 and the winch cable is attached. The end of the cable is equipped with a high-visibility parachute, which will deploy and maintain tension on the cable when it releaes from the glider. (Photo by Esser)

At the winch, the crew uses radio and flag signals for communication to monitor operations and control the winch process. Five pairs of eves are watching this launch. (Photo by Beyer)

The glider accelerates quickly and maintains a level flight attitude as speed increases. (Photo by Esser)

The nose of the glider is then raised to gain altitude. The pilot maintains proper airspeed by adjusting climb angle. (Photo by Esser)

The winch 'driver' watches the takeoff and climb carefully to adjust power as required. Winch launches are very quick ... the glider has been winched to this altitude in under 15 seconds. (Photo by Beyer)

The winch cable retrieve crew picks up the parachute and pulls the cable back to the launch point for the next takeoff. The last launched glider is returning for a landing in the upper right. (Photo by Beyer)