LMFP Release Dysfunction

[Tad Eareckson]

The following is a transcription with duplication of some formatting of the latest version of the owner's manual for the Lockout Mountain Flight Park Dysfunctional Release based on Zack's scan of the original and Antoine's photos of four pages of the new one. And I'm assuming Page 5 is still the same. If not please lemme know and I'll make the changes.

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Page 1:

WARNING

Your aerotow gear needs to be properly installed on your glider. We highly recommend that ONLY an aerotow instructor that is familiar with this equipment and its proper installation and use should install and test fly it. Failure to properly use this gear can result in death and or serious injury.

It is your responsibility to insure that an experienced instructor properly installs this gear and that the glider is test flown by a qualified pilot prior to your using this equipment. Furthermore, it is just as important that there is no doubt in your mind that you are capable of properly using this equipment and that you understand how to properly use this tow equipment -- your life may depend on it. GT Manufacturing Inc. (GT) and Lookout Mountain Flight Park Inc. (LMFP) make no claim of serviceability of this tow equipment. There is no product liability insurance covering this gear and we do not warrant this gear as suitable for towing anything. We make no claim of serviceability in any way and recommend that you do not use this aerotow gear if you are not absolutely sure how to use it and or if you are unwilling to assume the risk. Towing and flying hang gliders is inherently dangerous.

If properly used, there is a minimum of three ways to release from the towline. Do not depend on any of these ways by themselves and fly with a back up. The first release is the primary release which under certain situations may fail, second, is the secondary release that works most of the time, if all is set up correctly, and third, the weak link which will break under the right load. You should also fly with a hook knife that will allow you to cut the line if need be.

GT and LMFP Inc. assume no liability for the function and serviceability of this equipment. If you are uncomfortable with the risk of using this tow gear you will need to get gear that you are comfortable with or do not tow. There is an inherent risk in towing hang gliders that you must assume if you want to use this gear and you want to tow. Learn and understand the risk and the use of this gear. Your safety depends on it.

LMFP pilots: You will want to make an appointment to have this gear set up and installed on your glider and harness either at the top of the mountain (preferred) or down at the tow pavilion. Please do not expect the instructors to stop flying scheduled student and discovery flights to install and familiarize you with your new gear. This gear should be purchased when you take your aero tow instruction so that your instructors can teach you about it at that time.

Once your gear is installed you will need to get your glider test flown to test that the gear performs as it should and is set up correctly.

Page 2:

{Photo: Release Mechanism}

The new GT aerotow release, new as of July 11th 2009, is designed to be used with a V bridle and a 130-pound green stripe Dacron tournament fishing line weak link. At this time it is not recommended to use this release with a higher value weak link. We are confident that with an ultimate load of 130 pounds at the release point, the new GT aerotow release works better than all cable releases that we have experience with.

In designing this new release we wanted strength, consistency, ease of use, and less release pull-pressure. Also, in comparison to the industry standard Wichard spinnaker release, the barrel release is designed so that the pilot can easily tell that it is connected properly. We have demonstrated that the smooth stainless steel flipper is a lot easier on weak links and has no edge to hang up. Also, the hinge area is not sharp like we find on the Wichard release. A sharp hinge can cut your weak link and cause premature releases. We feel that this design has exceeded our expectations in all regards. We hope the GT barrel release exceeds your expectations as well!

To release from the tow plane it is best to pull in so that the tow rope has a light sag in it and then give the release handle a sharp yank.

Preflight (inspect) your release and the components prior to each flight. Look for a kinked cable housing, kinked or frayed cable, and a frayed release handle. Test your release for smooth release prior to use. While using, note if your release requires more pull-pressures to actuate than past releases under similar conditions or if the release pull-pressures are increasing. If the release pull-pressures required to release are increasing, your release will need to be inspected. Basically, if you notice a trend of increasing release pull-pressures under similar load conditions then your release needs to be inspected. We are currently using one of these releases on our tandem gliders and are able to put a lot of use on the release in a short time frame. In the meantime, if you have any issues with the release, email GT Manufacturing at fly@hanglide.com. Use the subject "GT Barrel Release".

This release is a new design and has been tested to 388 pounds ultimate load connected directly to the release where the release functioned properly. With over a hundred high load releases the new release performed, as it should. With a 220 pound load at the release the release required about 16 pounds of pull to actuate the release.

Every release has been tested for proper release operation after assembaly to a value of 130 lbs and 150 pounds on our test stand to insure the release is functioning as it should. If you have any issues, please contact the distributer for assistance.

Thanks!
From the GT team!

Page 3:

Aerotow Release System

Warning: GT and LMFP Inc. assume no liability for the function and serviceability of this equipment. It is your responsibility to insure that an experienced aerotow instructor properly installs this gear and the glider is test flown by a qualified pilot prior to your using this equipment. Hang Gliding is a dangerous sport and misuse of equipment can result in injury or death.

Your aerotow release package should contain:

{Photo: starboard control frame corner}

1. Primary release- this is rigged to the glider and releases the weaklink/long bridle.

{Photo: Bailey Release installed on starboard AT loop}

2. Secondary release- rigged to your harness and attached to the short bridle.

{Photo: secondary bridle installed on harness}

3. Short bridle- rigged to harness tow loop and goes through long bridle to secondary release.

{Photo: primary bridle running between secondary bridle and keel}

4. Long bridle- rigged from short bridle to weaklink which is then attached to primary. The tow rope from the plane clips directly to your long bridle.

{Photo: excessively long loop of 130 pound Greenspot installed on primary bridle and engaged by release mechanism}

5. Weak-link- 130-pound test, green stripe Dacron tournament fishing line, rigged to the end of the long bridle. Use proper knotting technique!!

The weak link is used to protect the equipment by breaking at a set value. The compact design of this release requires the use of a specific sized weak link. That weak link value should be at 130-150 pounds depending on pilot weight. Because of the compact design, (Note) weak link can not exceed 1/8" in diameter or else the pull pressure to activate the release will become very high. We recommend the green stripe 130-pound test tournament fishing line by Cortland. This release design has been extensively tested using this weak link line. Our tests have shown that when tied properly this line breaks consistently at 130 lbs. With a "V" bridle angled at 60 degrees or less this will give you a breaking strength of 260 lbs at the tow line.

Page 3:

Our tests utilize a double overhand knot after the weak link line is wrapped a minimum of three times around the bridle. Pull one of the wraps free and tow from that line eliminating the knot from the weak link circle. Research shows that a knot can weaken the strength of line (rope) by 35% to 50% depending on the knot. Avoid towing off of the weak link with a knot in the main circle that you clip your release to.

{Photo: hook knife and sheath}

6. Hook Knife- secured in harness so it is readily accessible.

{Photo: carabiner from primary release mechanism engaged on keel mounted anchor}

7. Carabineer- used to connect primary release to towpoint.

The barrel release mechanism must be oriented as shown in photo 7. The hole on the release body that holds the black webbing connecting the release mechanism to the carabineer and tow point must be on the top. The flipper that holds the weak link must face down. This is to reduce the remote possibility of the weak link getting wedged into the flipper joint.

{Photo: excessively long loop of 130 pound Greenspot installed on primary bridle and engaged by release mechanism (duplicate with "Top" and "Bottom" designations)}

{Photo: primary release mounting carabiner suspended from keel anchor}

8. Towpoint Line- rigged to glider by qualified aerotow instructor only!!

Towpoint must be set by a qualified aerotow instructor!! Arrange this at our pro-shop or with your experienced aerotow instructor!!

Some gliders will require or benefit from mounting the release to the keel. Gliders like the WW Falcon, Eagle and Sport 2, as well as other makes and models, require much less work load on the pilot when the release is mounted on the keel in between the hang loop and the nose plate. Precisely where the release is mounted depends on the type of aircraft used as a tow plane, how fast the tow pilot flies the plane, and the site where the flying is taking place. Have your aerotow instructor mount the release then test fly and tune to get the best location.

The place where the tow release is mounted effects your in-flight bar pressure, or where the glider trims, only while on tow. This value in miles per hour is approximately 30 to 32 mph at Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Keep in mind that when you go to another location your tow pressures are likely to be different than at your home site. Be aware of the different tow pressures and adjust as needed with your inputs or have your tow point moved by a qualified individual.

Page 4:

Additional Release Information

The primary release must be routed correctly with sufficient slack in order to function properly. The cable should be secured along the front of the downtube with the Velcro ties and clipped to the tow point via carabineer with no tight bends in the cable. There must be enough cable slack between the top downtube tie and full forward pull of release when rigged to tow point. Also, cable must be in front of hang straps!!

The primary release is actuated by pulling on the strap that is securely fastened to the basetube. The Velcro should retain the pull strap, but for backup there is a length of line that must be tied off to the downtube. Test the primary before each use!!

It is best to pull in prior to pulling the release strap. Look for a slight sag in the line. Pulling in is not always practical prior to actuating the release, however it is desirable for minimizing stress on the gear - specifically, the release, the bridle, and weak link.

The primary release may fail at any time; this is why a secondary release must be used on all tows. Remember, you were trained to tug your primary only once before going straight to the secondary! Be prepared for a release at all times.... Pull in, give your release strap a sharp pull and then go to secondary if the primary release failed.

Aerotow refreshers

- Only get in the takeoff line when you are 100% ready for takeoff with ticket accessible!!!
- Make sure conditions are suitable for you by asking beforehand.
- Help others when there is no groundcrew, you will get yourself in the air quicker!
- Never pull in while on the dolly cart or try to steer it with weight shift!!!
- Did you pre-flight that dolly cart?
- A proper weak link must be used and a hook knife must be rigged on harness or tow will be denied.
- Expect an early release every moment of tow up to 600 feet; only then may you relax a little.
- If released early, pull in, pull your release to get rid of the rope, and land where you've planned for in just this situation!!!
- If you start oscillating or get into trouble of any sort, Release! There is no need for a lockout - especially a low level lockout - we do not want to have lockouts! Release before a problem develops!
- If you are outside the cone of safety and unable to immediately correct your position - release immediately. If you are uncomfortable - release immediately.
- To release while on tow, it is best to use a sharp, forceful pull as opposed to a steady pull. You may want to practice this.
- As the tow forces increase, expect the release to require more force to actuate and release the tow line. Pulling in reduces the tow pressure making it easier to actuate the release. This will also prolong the life of your weak link. A sharp, forceful pull on the release handle works best.
- Be prepared to release at any time. The towline does break, the bridle breaks, the tow plane release may release you, and any one of the several weak links in the tow system can fail.
- Keep your energy (airspeed) and if released realize that the first thing to do is keep your aircraft flying - this usually requires you to get your nose down enough to avoid a stalled angle of incidence.

Page 5:

- Preflight your launch dolly and all tow gear. Insure that it is properly operating, hooked up and that your weak link is properly tied and in good condition. If in doubt replace it.
- Have your emergency landing procedure organized in your mind prior to launching.
- If you are uncomfortable while towing - release immediately, if you are oscillating - release immediately.
- If you are unable to stay in the cone of safety while towing, release immediately.
- Practice using your secondary release and be able to immediately go to the secondary release while maintaining control of the glider.
- Exit runway immediately after landing, there are others trying to land or takeoff.
- If practical always pull in prior to release - this is much easier on your gear and the release pressure is much less.

2011

[Tad Eareckson]

- So Matt starts selling this untested, uncertifiable piece o' crap built around a core mechanism "designed" to look like what Matt "thinks" a release mechanism SHOULD look like and every one we've ever heard about has had in flight failures - any one of which could've been a fatal and should've resulted in advisories and recall notices.

- The victim's manual - which the proud new owner only gets to see AFTER he's made the purchase - informs him that his aerotow release, even AFTER the feeble modification effort to address its issues:

-- isn't suitable for towing hang gliders and may fail at any time;
-- needs to be backed up by a bent pin release, loop of 130 pound Greenspot, and hook knife;
-- needs to be protected by a weak link so light that it routinely dumps and crashes gliders before they get ten feet off the cart;
-- requires careful cable routing to not have its shit performance further degraded;
-- can be expected to have its shit performance further degraded through normal use;
-- will not tolerate direct engagement of line greater one eighth inch;
-- may snag a weak link in its "flipper joint";
-- requires the pilot to pull in to slacken the towline and jerk the crap out of the actuator loop to blow off from a routine tow.

- Despite the facts that this is "the best release in the industry", the core mechanism is a huge improvement on the spinnaker shackle, and the loop actuator allows the pilot the enormous safety advantage of being able to release with both hands on the basetube, Lookout itself uses on its tandems the 1991 design Wallaby Release with the spinnaker shackle core mechanism and a downtube mounted bicycle brake lever which itself is notoriously unreliable, has been a major factor in several serious and fatal crashes, and is illegal for tandem use in the UK.

- And this is still what you get and all you get when you visit Matt's website:

http://estore.hanglide.com/Aerotow_Primary_Release_p/14-9004.htm

The best release in the industry.

This Aerotow Primary Release represents the state-of-the-art in releases. Made at LMFP, this release features the Rope-Loop type release mechanism, a better alternative to the lever release as you don't have to let go of the basetube to release.

We are very excited about our new barrel release mechanism. It has exceeded all of our expectations and has passed rigorous testing.

A recent testimonial from a long time aerotow pilot...

Hi Matt, Just a quick note to let you know how much I like your new Primary Aerotow release. Living in the flat lands of the mid-west, I've been towing hang gliders, using ground-based towing systems, since 1983 and, using aerotowing systems, since 1992. Over the years, I've used just about every kind of bridle and release system I saw or even heard about. Some were commercially made and some were homemade. They all worked pretty well as long as long as I was in, more or less, straight and level flight and there was no extraordinary tow force being exerted on the release. But, While rolling on the launch cart or just after leaving the cart and blundering into a thermal or otherwise getting out shape and entering into an incipient lock-out, the problems with all of my previous releases reared their ugly heads. Either I was so out of shape that I didn't want to let go of my base tube in order to activate my release or the tow pressure would quickly build up to the point where the release wouldn't operate. Since these situations occasionally do happen, until this summer, I was still searching for a better release. One which I could operate without taking my hand off of the base tube AND one which would still operate using moderate release force with the tow pressure approaching the breaking strength of my weak link. I think that, for now at least, my search is over. Not only has your new release been elegantly designed, it also works as advertised! Thanks for making this improved design available to us tow heads.

[deltaman]

Hi Antoine,

I too have experienced very high pulling force required to release under highly loaded tow force with both of LMFP releases, the spinaker release and the newer machined aluminum release. I've been looking at the SteevRelease but, I believe you mentioned in your review of the GetOff release that you also had high release operating force with the SteevRelease.

Under high tow line loading, which release has offered you the lowest required pulling force to operate the release? Sounds like it's the GetOff release. Please let me know. Thanks,

Bill

[Steve Davy]

Textbook natural selection.

The Jack Show has been going for four days shy of five years now and in that time anybody who's shown any flickers of intelligence, competence, honesty, character, decency has been fairly quickly eliminated from the population. So it doesn't take too long before all you have left is a deep and vast slick of pureed, homogenized, stinking, toxic, self congratulatory ooze.

This ain't rocket science.

Yep. That's pretty much all that is left. Pigfuckers, Morons, and Assholes.

[groundeffect]

Tad, I'm an owner of one of these LMFP AT Releases. I have yet to use it because I stopped my training until I have a clear head about releasing safely. That being said, I've got one headache trying to sort things out. Please tell me what I need to do to continue my training.

[Tad Eareckson]

Tad, I'm an owner of one of these LMFP AT Releases.

Didn't get to read the manual before you bought it, did you?

I have yet to use it because I stopped my training until I have a clear head about releasing safely.

The thing that's most likely to crash you is not being able to stay on.
The thing that's most likely to kill you is not being able to get off on - but not being able to stay on isn't all that distant a second.

That being said, I've got one headache trying to sort things out.

It's not all that difficult or complicated. Like I've said hear a few zillion times before - damn near everything important is ten year old kid common sense stuff.

Please tell me what I need to do to continue my training.

- Give your Lockout Release to someone you really hate. I'd love to see Adam Elchin, Bo Hagewood, Dennis Pagen, Dr. Trisa Tilletti on one of these.

- Get one of THESE:
http://www.nanoavionic.com/
http://www.getoffrelease.com/
Joe's real conscientious and competent guy. I got a note from him last night concerning an upgrade he just made that I need to respond to.

You could get better performance if you built something in yourself but I'm one hundred percent confident in the safety of his hardware. It WILL work with a very reasonable pull at any legal load you want to put on your glider.

- Get some 250 pound test weak link line from Stuart Caruk at:
http://www.towmeup.com/
Don't tell him I told him to go fuck himself until after you've secured a few feet of it.

- Look at my equipment photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aerotowrelease/?details=1
and try to figure what's going on.

- Read crash reports - with a special eye towards what ISN'T being said and what's being distorted and lied about.

- Trust no one - including me. Learn to do the math yourself so can check anyone else's and determine if he's:
-- a lying piece of shit - like Jims Rooney and Gaar, Matt Taber, and Drs. Tracy Tillman and Lisa Colletti
-- a deceptive piece of shit - like Davis
-- a total moron - like Lauren Tjaden
-- error prone - like Yours Truly

- Recognize that somebody telling you he knows what he's talking about - doesn't. If he know what he was talking about he'd be explaining it to you instead of telling you he knows what he's talking about. There's NOTHING in this game that can't be easily and definitively explained.

- Keep discussions going on The Jack Show. Davis is more closely aligned with The Industry and will lock down threads as soon as the good guys start winning. Jack will go along with anything reasonably popular. Dragonfly towing will never be safe until we can change the culture enough to make these assholes get their tails up to six hundred pound capacities and extremely hesitant to make good decisions in the interest of our safety.

[groundeffect]

Tad, will do. Thanks again.

[Steve Davy]

Tad,

What's the point in writing guidelines if you're not going to send them to folk like GE?

http://energykitesystems.net/Lift/hgh/TadEareckson/ATGuidelines.pdf

[Tad Eareckson]

I figured his head might explode if we fed him too much information all at once.

By the way, Ground...

Meant to mention that the fact that you went for a release that's at least SUPPOSED TO allow you to blow tow with both hands on the basetube demonstrated excellent survival instincts and is a good indicator of a likelihood of a safe flying career.

[groundeffect]

Tad, Stuart sells pre-cut weak links only. Price seems fair....60ea. 20" for $13.20
Looked at the GetOff primary release and your equipment photos. A lot going on there for this rookie.
I can assume my LMFP secondary is ok, or should I keep my knife in my mouth?