The danger is that the line could blow back over the launch area and include the pilot, who would presumably be distracted, in the loop. Then, when the retriever kicks in, the loop tightens like a cheese wire around the pilot's neck (inevitably) and decapitates him, resulting in the loss of another valuable airplane.
With a 10+ mph wind and a tapping launch, this is not an unbelievable scenario and in fact the blow-back situation occurs frequently at ESL contests. But there the retrievers are manned and there are many alert winch-aware bystanders to warn of the danger. IMO, all winch setups are dangerous snakes in the grass but users of the self-retrieving winch need to be especially careful. Jeb. --- "Andrew E. Mileski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > John McCloskey wrote: > > > > I was on the phone last night with an OFB from > Alabama . He wants to get a retriever . He's of the > opinion that he can launch ,let the line fall ,and > then retrieve it after the flight . I tried to > explain to him that this could be very hazardous . > Are there any points that I can give to him that may > convince him that this may not be a wise and safe > practice , or am I concerned over nothing ? > > Someone posted of one-man systems a while back. It > is possible, > but requires additional/different equipment. > > > As an aside , A few months back,someone on the > exchange recomended Hi-Catch swivels . > > I got some , and they are superior to Sampos .They > have double ball bearings, so their is no need for a > second swivel . Plus the snap is very unique and > easy to use . > > www.hiliner.com www.finestkind.com > > That would probably have been me :) Glad you like > them. > > -- > Andrew E. Mileski > Ottawa, Canada > RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane > News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests > to [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
