PGC WINCH OPERATIONS 2008

PGC will focus more resources on winch training and operations during the 2008 season. Starting in May, Saturday launch operations will transition to the winch at 3:00 PM and will continue to the normal end of operations. In addition, other ad-hoc winch-launch sessions will be scheduled to support training or general winch currency as required.

PGC has conducted winch operations for decades, but the acquisition of the Eagle Winch provides the opportunity to develop ground launch as a mainstream operation. Gliding clubs all over the world have been using winching as a primary launch method from the beginning of the sport. In fact, in Europe winch launching is the predominate method of getting gliders airborne.

PGC views winch launching as a strategic solution to noise abatement issues - plus it greatly lowers launch costs - an important consideration for students in training. (The cost advantages may have become a more immediate benefit considering fuel costs and the general slowdown in the economy. )

So how do you get your winch launch endorsement ?

It's simple - just sign up and attend a Saturday winch training session. Pre-reading some of the winch training material identified in the links below would also be an advantage.

Send an e-mail to Ken Kochanski or one of the winch committee members if you plan to attend Saturday Winch Training. We're going to keep our "Sign-then-Fly" program if you just show up - but if you can, drop us a note - it would be nice to know how may people plan to attend on any Saturday.

Become a Winch-Driver

PGC also needs to qualify a cadre of winch drivers to support launch operations. You do have to be qualified to fly the winch before you can become a driver - but if you think you may have an interest in driving, contact a member of the winch committee.

PGC Winch Committee Members

The PGC Winch Committee was organized to support our efforts to integrate winch launching into PGC operations. Developing the critical mass of people with skills clearly takes some time - plus we want to implement the program using established best-practices to insure the highest safety levels. To that end, PGC has used and will continue to use expert winch-launch consultants to assist our development and review our equipment and procedures. These review sessions will be listed on the PGC calendar.

Bob Panabianco (Chairman), Skip Guimond, Phil Jones, J.L. Agostini, Phil Klauder, Bob Lacovara, Ken Kochanski