SWTHG club winch

[SamKellner]

OK Bob,

Send me what I will need for by-laws. I will collect pilot info.

[Bob Kuczewski]

Great. I sent you an email with the two USHPA documents and the Torrey Hawks bylaws and the Torrey Hawks membership application. I sent them as PDFs, so you probably can't change them. But look them over and let me know what you'd like to have changed and I'll send you updated versions that you can just print and send on to USHPA. Of course I'll need to change the club name, but if you see anything else that you want to be different, just let me know.

The Torrey Hawks bylaws specify 3 club officers - President, Vice President, and Secretary. We don't have a treasurer since we don't collect any money. You might want a treasurer if you plan to collect dues, but I'd recommend putting a free club together first and then the club can decide to collect dues and add a treasurer by simply voting to change the bylaws. Also, that's one less officer that you'll need to fill with such a small club.

Speaking of officers, you'll need to pick them. I'd recommend you as President, your other local flying friend as VP, and one of the San Antonio pilots as Secretary. I'll be happy to help, and I could be your club Secretary if you can't find anyone else to do it. Just let me know.

Then you'll also need to list your minimum of 5 members with 70% being USHPA members (I don't know if that rounds up to 80% or down to 60% when you've only got 5 members). You'll need to get USHPA numbers from everyone as well as the usual contact information.

I hope that helps. I'll wait to hear from you on corrections to the bylaws and membership application so I can send them back to you. You can reply either with email, PM, or a post to this forum.

This is really cool. : )

[Bob Kuczewski]

Hey Sam,

Any progress on the USHPA Chapter application?

Please let me know if I can help.

Bob K.

[SamKellner]

We towed today.. Somewhat better results, but nowhere near what it should be.

An inspection of the brake calipers reveals that the designed alignment of the caliper assy is not good.

You can see by the wear pattern that ~40% of the pads were not even contacting the disc!

Wish we could find a good ATOL

Sorry no video again, Bob.

[Bob Kuczewski]

We towed today..

That's cool!!


Now, did you do your homework before going out to play?

[SamKellner]

Hawks,

Even with adding the extra line to increase the spool diameter and even with repositioning the caliper so they contact the disc ~100%, this winch is still living up to it's name,
"Mini Mojo's". All our launches have been very predictable and smooth. Climbs great initially but then brake fade sets in.

If we continue to refine this payout winch, a larger diameter disc with more ventilation slots might give us the desired performance.

Another solution: Two of our members have purchased a proven modle and it should arrive any day. TBT, I think is the name.

So the trials will continue. We sure hope to have the bugs worked out by spring.

Thanks,
Sam
SW Texas Hang Gliders

[Bob Kuczewski]

It sounds like that winch could be the basis for growing your club.

Keep up the good work, and be safe!!

[SamKellner]

Well, The deal on the TBT winch fell thru.

I did get the 10" disc installed on our WIP, ATOL wanna be winch.

The caliper re-mount will be easy, <1 welding rod.

Then we'll see?

[Bob Kuczewski]

<1 welding rod.

Throw on an extra rod ... to make it extra strong.

[SamKellner]

Hawks,

Bob just made me ill telling about his 3hr flight at Torrey. Oh, those were the days. Good job Bob,

When Thanksgiving, all you Torrey Hawks should include how lucky you are to have such a premier flying site there,
on the beach, great scenery, flight shop, ~no commute, etc, etc. Really, we should all feel lucky to live in the day and time when we can soar like a bird.

Well, I got the larger disc mounted and the caliper re-mount completed. Haven't been out yet, but surely it will improve the performance.

Fly Safe,
Sam