PL 4

Requirements for operation, operation and technical competence of winches and unwinders of parachutes and hang gliders

Text as of: 01. 02. 2012

CHANGE SHEET

Content

TITLE 1. – DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
PART 1 - OPERATION OF REELS AND UNOILERS
TITLE 2. – GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 3. - AUTHORIZATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
PART 2 – REQUIREMENTS FOR TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF WINCHES AND UNOILERS
TITLE 4. – GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 5. - FORTIFICATION OF THE DEVICE
TITLE 6. – DEVICE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
TITLE 7. - PROCEDURES FOR VERIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF EQUIPMENT ELIGIBILITY
TITLE 8. – SAMPLES OF PROTOCOLS AND PERSONAL SHEETS

TITLE 1. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

1.1. Abbreviations

ATZ airport operating zone,
NOTAM announcements disseminated by telecommunication means containing information about the establishment, condition or change of any aircraft facility, service or procedure, or about hazards, the timely knowledge of which is necessary for personnel engaged in flight operations,
PP pilot's license,
PK Paraglider,
PL paragliding, paragliding, paragliding,
TP technical certificate of the device,
WRNG navigation warning,
ZK hang glider,
ZL hang gliding,
ZL 1 interpretation of flying rules for the operation of parachutes and hang gliders.

1.2. Winch

stationary ground vehicle enabling PK/ZK take-off by tow rope.

1.3. Winder

is the person operating the reel or reel.

1.4. Winch start

it is defined from the introduction of pulling force into the towing rope before PK/ZK take-off to the winding of the towing rope after its termination.

1.5. Unwinder

mobile ground vehicle enabling PK/ZK take-off by tow rope.

1.6. Paraglider

is a non-motorized, heavier-than-air aircraft that is designed for a maximum of two people and whose take-off is carried out by the pilot's launch, aerofoil or winch, and the character of the bearing surface is not determined by a rigid structure.

1.7. Winder or unwinder logbook

is a document with records of the operation and maintenance of the winch or winder.

1.8. Chopping equipment

device for cutting the tow rope.

1.9. Signaling

visual or radio communication ensuring unambiguous transmission of instructions.

1.10. Starter

a properly trained person with at least theoretical knowledge of pilot qualifications.

1.11. Step lift

deliberately performed non-continuous towing with gradual alternating towing and unwinding of PK/ZK in order to achieve a higher release height.

1.12. Traction characteristic

dependence of the force transmitted by the towing rope and the winding speed over time.

1.13. Pull rope

a rope of appropriate strength through which the pulling force of the winch or winder is transmitted to the pilot.

1.14. Burst fuse

A device connecting the disconnecting and towing device with a defined force, when it is exceeded, it will be disconnected. The tolerance of the indicated fuse disconnection force is +/- 10%.

1.15. Towing equipment

it ensures the connection of the tripping device with the towing rope and consists of a distance rope, a braking parachute and a suspension eye.

1.16. Towing space

a horizontally and vertically defined space in which winch or unwind take-offs take place.

1.17. Shut-off device

a device for connecting the pilot's harness with a hanging eye allowing safe disconnection at any stage of take-off.

1.18. Device

collective designation of winches and unwinders.

1.19. Hanging eye

used to connect the towing device to the tripping device.

1.20. Hang glider

It is a non-motorized heavier-than-air aircraft that is designed for a maximum of two people, whose take-off is carried out by the pilot's take-off, aerofoil or winch, and which is controlled by changing the position of the pilot's center of gravity, with the possibility of additional aerodynamic control around one axis. The maximum weight of an empty glider without a clamping device must not exceed 40 kg.

PART 1

OPERATION OF WINDERS AND UNWINDERS

TITLE 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.1. Only winches or unwinders that meet the requirements specified in this regulation and have a valid technical license issued by the LAA of the Czech Republic may be used for winch operation.

2.2. Service

Only a person familiar with the method of operation and maintenance with a valid certificate of competence issued by the LAA of the Czech Republic may operate the winch or unwinder.

2.3. Operation and operational limitations of the device

The operator of the winch or unwinder must have the device's operating instructions and the device's operational limitations available.

2.4. Operational log

The following entries must be made in the operational logbook:

a) date and place of operation and name of the winder,
b) name of the pilot, qualification (pilot/student),
c) winch or unwinder operator training and winch operator training,
d) record of maintenance and replacement of essential equipment components,
e) defect record,
f) a record of extraordinary events in the operation of the equipment,
g) first and last name of the winder instructor in the case of winder or unwinder starts of students in training according to section 3.4.1 below.

The operator of the equipment is responsible for the complete and correct maintenance of the operational logbook.

2.5. Flat

Wind-up or wind-up take-offs can only be made from an area that is suitable for this, without obstacles in the towing area, which will allow the pilot to land safely in the event of an aborted take-off. The winder must see PK at least in the phase of setting the canopy into the flight position, ZK during the entire take-off.

2.6. Towing space

2.6.1. Winch operation in class G and E airspace in winch flight areas specified in the AIP is possible after notification of the start of activity to the relevant flight information center.

2.6.2. Winch operation in class G and E airspace outside the ATZ and areas for winch flying specified in the AIP is possible only after declaring at least WRNG by a NOTAM message.

2.6.3. If the towing area extends into the ATZ of the airport, it is possible to operate the winch only after coordination with the operator of the relevant airport.

2.6.4. Winch operation in the towing area encroaching on the CTR, TMA or restricted area is only possible based on the permission of the relevant air traffic control authority.

2.7. Starter

It must be set up during student reeling and reeling starts. The starter must be present for their pre-flight briefing.

2.8. Shut-off device

The pilot is responsible for the shutdown device and its correct use. The switch-off device for towing PL students in training must be approved by the chief inspector of the operation of PL LAA ČR or a person verified by him.

2.9. Pre-flight briefing

Only a pilot with the corresponding valid qualification or a student under the supervision of an instructor may take off on a winch or unwinder after proper instruction and familiarization with the organization and operation of winch starts and the issuance of safety instructions. The winchman is responsible for the organization and execution of the pre-flight briefing.

2.10. Signaling

must always be secured between winch and starter if installed.

2.11. Radio connection

It must always be ensured during the training of the student between him, the winder and the starter.

2.12. Operation with more than one towing rope

For winches with more than one rope, the ropes must be marked and easily identifiable.
Only one pilot may be attached to a multi-rope winch at a time; the next pilot may join only after disconnecting the previous pilot during the start and pulling the rope in such a way that the crossing of the ropes is excluded.
The second rope of the winch can be used if it is clear that it does not cross with the rope used in the previous tow.
If several winches or unwinders are used simultaneously in one towing space, a clear determination of the starting order must be ensured.

2.13. Traffic at the airport

The operation of a winch or winder at an airport or in its operational zone must be coordinated with the airport operator.
The operating conditions must be the content of the pre-flight briefing.

2.14. Use of cutting equipment

If necessary to avert imminent danger, the windlass must use a cutting device.

2.15. Burst fuse ZK

For winch or winder start, a blowout fuse must be inserted between the tripping device and the towing device. This must be set to the value at which it disconnects the traction of the towing rope:

a) for single-seat ZK when the thrust exceeds 1600 N,
b) for two-digit ZK when the thrust exceeds 2000 N

TITLE 3. AUTHORIZATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

3.1. Responsibilities of the winder

The winch operator is responsible for not endangering the safety of the pilot or other persons involved in the winch start by his activities.

3.2. Responsibilities of a winder

a) carry out a winch start only with equipment whose technical condition meets the relevant requirements,
b) make sure that the towing space is free before making a winch or unwind start,
c) familiarize the pilot with the pre-flight instructions before take-off,
d) during the winch start, observe the restrictions of the given device and PK/ZK,
e) keep records of starts in the operational diary of the winch or unwinder.

3.3. Pilot qualification for winch and uncoil launches

3.3.1. A PL pilot with at least a pilot qualification after appropriate training or a student in training after appropriate training may take off with a PK on a winch or unwinder.
The content of the training is:

a) familiarization with the device,
b) getting to know the differences between the start and take-off on a winch or unwinder,
c) resolution of crisis situations,
d) signaling.

The training of pupils in training is carried out by the relevant PL instructor.

3.3.2. A ZL pilot with a lift qualification or a ZL pilot in training for a lift qualification under the supervision of a ZL operation inspector with a lift qualification or a ZL student after completing exercise 5.3 may start a ZK on a winch or unwinder. ZL 3 training curriculum under the supervision of a ZL instructor with lift qualifications.

3.4. Qualifications

3.4.1. Winder

It authorizes PK/ZK pilots to make reel or reel starts. Pupils may only be towed under the supervision and presence of a winch instructor. The winch operator will make a record of this fact in the operational logbook.

3.4.2. Instructor winder

It authorizes PK/ZK pilots, including pupils, to carry out winch or unwind starts and to train winchman qualifications and supervise the activities of winchman during the training of pupils.
Entitles to separate retraining to another type of reel or reel. On a new type of reel or reel, he can drag students after completing at least 20 starts.

3.5. Wincher training

3.5.1. Requirements for inclusion in training:

at least 18 years of age,

3.5.2. Authorization to train a winch

Winch training can only be carried out by a winch instructor with a valid qualification.
Only one winch instructor may participate in winch training.

3.5.3. Theoretical preparation

Scope of knowledge required

Start PK/ZK

1) Take-off phase.
2) PK/ZK flight mechanics when towing.

General aspects of aviation security and knowledge of Regulations;

1) Air mass flow depending on the changing height,
2) Continuity of weather with individual types of cloud cover.
3) The principle of heating the atmosphere. Irregularities in the heating of the earth's surface.
4) Formation of thermal flow. Basic conditions of formation.
5) Queues. Division, speed of advance, danger.
6) Turbulence caused by terrain obstacles. Leeward hill. Dependence on the speed of the flow and the shape of the obstacle.
7) Thunderstorms - basic principles of formation, danger.

Construction and construction of PK, winch, unwinder

1) Basic parts of PK.
2) Basic parts of reel and reel.
3) Construction and requirements placed on the towing rope and tripping device.
4) Methods of regulation and measurement of tensile force.
5) Construction of the drive and transmission mechanism of the winch.
6) Connecting the towing rope.
7) Maintenance of reel and reel.

Emergency procedures

1) Interruption of take-off in all phases of take-off.
2) Procedure for yawing the towed pilot by an angle of up to 30°.
3) Procedure when the towed pilot deviates by an angle of more than 30°.
4) Use of the rescue system during the lift.
5) Hanging rope.
6) Cases where it is necessary to cut the towing rope.

Regulations

1) Division of the airspace of the Czech Republic.
2) Access to current information – AIP, AUP, UUP, NOTAM.
3) Joint operation at the airport with the AFIS service.

Hygienics

1) Principles of summoning medical assistance.
2) Revitalization process.
3) Fracture treatment.
4) Stopping arterial bleeding.

3.5.4. Practical preparation

3.5.4.1. Getting to know the winch or reel

The winder instructor will demonstrate the winder or winder and explain the function of the individual parts; will explain the method of measuring and regulating the traction force.

Terms of fulfillment: the winder in training knows the basic parts of the winch or winder, their function and control

3.5.4.2. Winding or unwinding starts

The winder in training performs PK/ZK starts under the supervision of the winder instructor.
Min. number of exercises 20 under the supervision of a winder instructor.
Min. number of exercises 30 under the supervision of a winder instructor.

Terms of fulfillment: a winch in training is able to independently perform a PK/ZK tow.

3.5.5. The certificate is issued and the qualification of the winch operator is entered by the register of the LAA CR based on the confirmation of the relevant winch instructor in the personal certificate of completion of the winch training.

3.6. Winch instructor qualification training

3.6.1. Requirements for inclusion in training:

a) at least 18 years of age,
b) holder of a valid winch qualification min. 1 year,
c) towed at least 300 PK/ZK starts.

3.6.2. Theoretical preparation

The required range of knowledge as a winder qualification, but deeper knowledge in wider contexts.

3.6.3. Winch instructor test

The test is performed by the chief inspector of paragliding operations of the LAA CR or a person authorized by him.

3.6.3.1. Theory

oral examination.

3.6.3.2. Practice

min. 3 test winch starts.

3.6.3.3. Terms of fulfillment

"passed" rating in the theoretical and practical part of the exam.

3.6.4. The qualification of a winch instructor is recorded by the LAA CR register on the basis of a completed personal sheet with records of completion of training and successful examination.

PART 2

 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF ROLLERS AND UNOILERS

TITLE 4. GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.1. These requirements for technical competence are set as minimum for PK/ZK winches and unwinders.

4.2. Maximum take-off weight

For the purposes of this regulation, the maximum take-off weight means:

a) for one-seater PK 130 kg ZK 150 kg
b) for two-seater PK more than 130 kg ZK more than 150 kg

This does not in any way affect other restrictions of the PK/ZK resulting from its technical certificate, load or actual condition.

4.3. Minimum device performance

The drive unit of the winch or the braking system of the winder must allow the following minimum climb at the maximum take-off weight PK/ZK:

a) for single-seat PK/ZK 3 m/s
b) for two-digit PK/ZK 2 m/s

4.4. Minimum length of towing rope

The usable length of the pull rope for the PK/ZK start must be at least 800 m.

TITLE 5. EQUIPMENT FORTIFICATION CERTIFICATE

5.1. In general

All components of the windlass or windlass structure transmitting the reaction from the pilot hanger must carry the service load without permanent deformation.

5.2. Towing rope strength certificate

The operating load of the towing rope is twice the maximum operating pull of the winch or reel.

TITLE 6. DEVICE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

6.1. Reeling the tow rope

The entire pulley system of the winch rope track must be designed in such a way that the pulling rope cannot be damaged.

6.2. Traction rope guidance

The towing rope must be able to be wound and unwound without problems.
The routing of the towing rope must allow winding and unwinding at an angle of up to 90° from the horizontal plane.

6.3. Pull rope

The type of towing rope is determined by the manufacturer or the equipment builder, while its tensile strength limit must not fall below a lower value in operation than:

a) for single-seat PK/ZK 2000 N,
b) for double PK/ZK N3.000

The end of the towing rope must not be firmly connected to the rope drum.

6.4. Forces in the tow rope

6.4.1. The course of the stroke must be smooth, without sudden changes and jumps, and must allow smooth regulation of forces. The unwinder must be able to generate sufficient force at different speeds of unwinding the rope. The winch must be able to generate sufficient force at different speeds for winding and unwinding the rope.

6.4.2. Maximum tractive force limitation

The design of the device must ensure that the value of the maximum pulling force is limited and that it cannot be exceeded. A one-time short-term exceeding of the maximum pulling force by a maximum of 20% is permissible.

6.4.3. The maximum pulling force must be adjustable within the range of:

a) for single-seat PK/ZK 600 – 1.000 N,
b) for two-seat PK/ZK 600 – 1.500 N

6.4.4. The amount of pull in the towing rope must be continuously adjustable from the operator's position from 200 N to the set maximum pulling force, regardless of the speed of winding or unwinding the rope and its amount on the drum.

6.5. Thrust indicator

The indicator must enable the winch operator to check the instantaneous pulling force in the rope at any stage of flight. It must be placed in the line of sight of the winchman watching the take-off of the PK/ZK so that his observation distracts as little as possible from the towed PK/ZK. In the event that the design of the unwinder works on the principle of friction force between segments, the pull indicator can be replaced by a calibrated pull force scale on the controller.

6.6. Chopping equipment

Each towing rope must be equipped with a cutting device that guarantees reliable cutting of both the tensioned and the loose rope.
The operator of the mowing device must be freely accessible in the operator's field of vision and visibly distinguished from other operators. For a winch with multiple ropes, precautions must be taken to prevent the controls from being interchanged.
The reliability of the cutting device is proven by cutting three ropes in an unloaded state.

6.7. Towing equipment

The towing rope must be terminated on the pilot's side with a towing device with a length of at least 4 m. This consists of a distance rope, a braking parachute and a suspension eye.

6.7.1. Distance rope

its strength must at least correspond to the requirements for a towing rope, while it is necessary to take into account the loss of strength in the joints. It must be made of a material with low elongation.
It must pass through the braking chute without interruption.
In the case of a towing rope made of synthetic material, a separate distance rope is not required.

6.7.2. Braking parachute

must be of such size and location as not to allow the pilot to be caught or enveloped in flight during thrust interruption.

6.7.3. Hanging eye

its strength must at least meet the requirements for a towing rope. When stressed with maximum force, it must not be deformed.
The smallest inner diameter of the suspension eye is 25 mm.

6.8. Shut-off device

Its construction must meet the following requirements:

a) safe connection of the PK/ZK harness with the towing device in all positions in the range from zero to maximum pulling force,
b) reliable disconnection from the suspension eye in all positions without any capture in the entire range of traction forces from zero to maximum,
c) switching off must not require more than one action at a time, with any hand, and switching off must not require extraordinary skill on the part of the pilot.

6.9. Specific winch qualification requirements

6.9.1. Winch operator protection

The winch must be equipped with protection that prevents injury to the winch operator in the event of a break in the towing rope. This protection must not significantly limit the winch's visibility.

6.9.2. Winch drive unit

The drive unit must be able to deliver the necessary power to derive the maximum pulling force over the entire range of rope winding speeds.
It must work reliably without requiring special attention from the operator.

6.9.3. Winch brake

The winch must be equipped with a device to immediately stop the rope drum.

6.9.4. Reel grounding

During operation, the winch must be conductively connected to the ground by grounding.

TITLE 7. PROCEDURES FOR VERIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF EQUIPMENT ELIGIBILITY

7.1. Device Eligibility Verification

7.1.1. The applicant shall notify the relevant technical inspector of the LAA CR of the intention to build equipment or to approve equipment imported from abroad.

7.1.2. The technical inspector will determine the conditions of construction or approval or the method of construction supervision to the builder.

7.1.3. Before putting the equipment into operation, the applicant submits an application for the issuance of a winch technical certificate, to which he attaches:

a) basic technical description of the device,
b) basic drawing documentation to the extent determined by the technical inspector,
c) information on the material used, certificates of strength of important parts,
d) equipment operating log.

7.1.4. Proof of the strength of the structure is carried out:

a) by calculation,
b) documents on material tests,
c) possibly other strength tests at the discretion of the technical inspector.

7.1.5. Technical inspection of the equipment

The technical inspection and verification of compliance with the requirements of the regulations will be carried out by a technical inspector or a technician authorized by him and a record of it will be made in the relevant forms. In the event of a positive result of the technical inspection, the test operation will be allowed.

7.1.6. Proof of tensile properties

Proof of the traction characteristics and performance of the device will be carried out by flight tests with measurement of traction characteristics and test launches. Flight tests with measurement of traction characteristics and test take-offs are carried out by the inspector or a pilot authorized by him and a record of them is made in the protocol.

7.1.7. Equipment manufactured abroad and imported to the Czech Republic must meet all the requirements of the relevant regulations and standards. Verification of their eligibility is carried out in accordance with the procedure "Verification of the eligibility of the equipment".

7.2. Test operation

Verification of the equipment's capability is carried out with at least two test starts for single-seat PK/ZK or at least two test starts for two-seat PK/ZK, if this operation is required for each towing rope. Test starts will be carried out by the inspector or a pilot authorized by him. When extending the validity of the TP, the number of test starts is determined by the relevant inspector.

7.3. Issue of TP

Based on the results of the technical inspection and flight tests, the technical inspector will issue the registration sheet of the winch, including its attachments. On the basis of the registration sheet of the winch and its annexes, the register of the LAA CR will issue a TP of the equipment.
The validity of the technical license is issued for a maximum of three years.

7.4. Maintaining the technical capability of the equipment

7.4.1. Its operator is responsible for the technical condition and maintenance of technical capability.

7.5. Changes and modifications to equipment

7.5.1. Significant modifications and structural changes to the equipment compared to the condition for which the TP was issued must be approved by the technical inspector who has the equipment on file.

7.6. Device repairs

7.6.1. Any damage to the equipment that affects the traction characteristics must be restored by the operator to a condition corresponding to approval for operation. A record of the repair must be made in the winch's logbook.

TITLE 8. SAMPLES OF PROTOCOLS AND PERSONAL SHEETS