Glider and winch-launch traffic hazards
ACAS and onboard radar may not show gliders or hang gliders. Visual look-out essential. Give-way to gliders: see right-of-way (CAR 602.19(2)(a)).
Winch launch (glider pulled aloft on rope, cable, or wire; winch usually near or beyond runway departure end):
- Ideal conditions, some Canadian sites: 1,800 ft AGL in under 2 min, within runway length, steep climb angle, rapid climb rate.
- Releases at altitude. Glider descends under drogue parachute.
- Cable not marked or lighted, nearly invisible.
- Crossing runway below winch-launched glider, including to enter circuit: risks mid-air collision with glider or strike on vertical cable.
Hang glider winch launches (AIM 4.15.3):
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Method | Winch |
| Site | Commonly not registered aerodromes (farm fields, rural roads) |
| BC | Often boat-based "payout" launches over or near lakes |
| Winch height | Up to 2,000 ft AGL |
| Aero-tow behind ultra-light | Up to 3,000 ft AGL |
- Powered paraglider training: winch-launch setting (AIM 4.15.3).
Gliders congregate: good thermalling conditions bring many to one spot. One spotted: more likely nearby.
| Good-day reach | Value |
|---|---|
| Altitude, east | 8,000 ft AGL |
| Altitude, west | 10,000-20,000 ft band |
| Distance from launch | Over 300 km, well beyond what a chart soaring symbol suggests |
Tell them apart:
- Paraglider: easier to spot than hang glider. Larger, tapered canopy.
- Parachute: smaller, rectangular.
Trap: empty-looking runway is not a clear approach or departure path. Glider may be clear, but unmarked, unlit winch cable can still be rising.
References
- TC AIM AIR 4.15.3
- TC AIM AIR 4.15.3.1
- TC AIM AIR 4.15.3.2
- CARs 602.19(2)(a)