Launch Emergencies
You wouldn't believe it, but they can happen to you too! Occasionally I find myself too relaxed during my pre-takeoff checks, often because I have hundreds of hours under my belt in any given 12 month period, other times too because people are talking to me right up to hooking on the rope - this is not the time to be complacent! One needs to be positive & focused, if people are talking nearby you, ask them kindly for a moment's peace, & state that you're about to do your personal checks - they'll understand & it may save your life...
Takeoff checklist
Doing your nations approved pre-takeoff checks are important to follow, they're clearly there for a reason. In Australia, we have a mnemonic, where the 'O' in it is for 'outside & options' - basically to assess the competency of the crew situation, analyze weather conditions, then to marry these up with what options are available to you, if there were to be a rope or wire break, all at different critical moments. Then, identify where the release knob is, you may need it very quickly one day! This is naturally a key part of the outcome of what may happen, so it's important to take some time visualizing the above. Of course, things may happen that you'd never account for, then one needs to use all their experience plus the above options assessment to achieve a good outcome.
Prepare for a Rope Break
The year is around 2006, I'm seven years into my solo soaring career, practicing with the Australian squad at a dedicated coaching event. It's hot outside, there's been some artificial pressure put on us simulating a world championship. Still, I direct my crew to ask people to step aside for a moment's peace. If I get a rope break below 100', straight ahead, >100' & <200' over the fence & into a field, above 200', I'll do a 180 to the left & land back, etc.
What was about to happen next, I would never have expected in a lifetime. The tug pilot hit a thermal just before the usual lift-off speed, going by feel & being focused ahead, he pulls back on the stick & continues to climb away. I hit the thermal too & find myself airborne, nursing the glider to gain speed & not stall at the same time. I'm thinking, he'll accelerate as normal & all will be ok. Sadly he didn't, & my first option of pulling the release & landing straight ahead before the fence disappears in the blink of an eye, I'm very quickly, along for the ride...
Premature Tow Release
The tug continues to try & climb away, I try to keep airspeed, balancing this & trying to climb into station. In a very short amount of time, he has full forward stick & full power trying to gain critical airspeed. We are both now in a lot of trouble, I remember the rope bowing over my canopy as I catch up to the tug & seeing a plan view of it like I never want to see ever again.
Thankfully I learned on the winch & have a very experienced pilot father, who from a very young age drummed into me constantly, if the rope/wire breaks, you must must MUST have airspeed to fly, & especially before you make a turn.
My rehearsed plan in my pre-takeoff checks takes care of my position & height situation, that's one less thing to think about now. I remember clearly that there became a moment when I had a combination of height, airspeed & the nose being flung up to the tug, the attitude felt like a cable break in a winch launch - now is my chance. Pull the release twice, nose down...
Airspeed First
..nose down, nose down, fly fly fly, "airspeed first to fly", I hear my father saying in the back of my head. 75kts, I'm for sure flying now, I can feel it. Left hand 180°, identify the runway & any threats coming at me, there are none, breath, wings straight & level, adjust speed, airbrakes out, land as normal, roll to the end of the grid...
Now that was exciting, albeit unwanted! I hope it'll never happen again, but remember, it can happen to you & it may well happen to me again. So methodically, I do my checks, assess the situation, identify the release knob & take each launch seriously.
Fly safe!
Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.
