Which signal indicates an abort is required during a winch launch?

Which signal indicates an abort is required during a winch launch?

• A. The ground crew signals to continue
• B. The tow release operates normally
• C. The winch line becomes snagged
• D. The glider climbs smoothly after release

Answer: (C)

During a winch launch, a snag in the winch line is a situation that requires an abort. When the line becomes snagged, it can cause abrupt, hazardous loads on the glider, risk line breakage, or entanglement with the launch equipment or ground crew. Continuing the launch could lead to a dangerous loss of control or injury, so the correct action is to abort the tow and release, terminating the launch safely. The other cues point to a normal launch—signals to continue indicate proceed, the tow release operating normally means the launch is on track, and a smooth climb after release shows a successful tow.

During a winch launch, a snag in the winch line is a situation that requires an abort. When the line becomes snagged, it can cause abrupt, hazardous loads on the glider, risk line breakage, or entanglement with the launch equipment or ground crew. Continuing the launch could lead to a dangerous loss of control or injury, so the correct action is to abort the tow and release, terminating the launch safely. The other cues point to a normal launch—signals to continue indicate proceed, the tow release operating normally means the launch is on track, and a smooth climb after release shows a successful tow.