Licence
A pilot flying a winch/unwinder must have a PL N license. This can be granted either by the instructor (for students only the instructor) or by the winch operator (for pilots). Fulfillment conditions (according to paragraph 7.3 in PL3): students/pilots know the differences of starting with a winch, the correct reaction after a break in the pull or a rope break, and they have practically tested the function of the tripping device.
Technical parameters of the towing device
Every winch/unwinder newly put into operation or after a structural change or major repair must pass a technical inspection. Part of the technical inspection is the measurement of tensile forces, which is organized collectively by the LAA CR several times a year. The costs for this group measurement are covered by LAA ČR. The applicant will only pay a fee of CZK 1000 for the issuance of a winch/unwinder technical certificate. The dates for measuring tensile forces are published on the LAA website.
The winch/unwinder can also be approved individually. In such a case, the applicant pays all costs associated with it, including the travel costs of the technical commission.
Technical parameters of towing equipment from the point of view of operation on traffic roads
If you have the winder firmly connected to the body of the car, then you should only move with it outside traffic roads (dirt roads, airports). Even a car whose technical condition does not meet all the conditions of operation on public roads can legally move in these places.
Places to drag
In addition to the fact that it must be a place without terrain obstacles (HV wires, trees, etc.) and that the owner of the land must agree to the towing, the area for towing does not have to meet any other conditions.
How to report winch operation
If the winch (unwinder) is operated outside an uncontrolled airport with an ATZ, or a controlled CTR precinct, it is necessary to publish information about this operation by NOTAM through LIS (aviation information service). We remind you that winch operation at an uncontrolled airport (with an ATZ zone) is only possible with the AFIS service and in CTR only with the consent and after coordination with the air traffic control unit. In CTR outside operating hours only after publication in NOTAM.
Publication procedure:
Send a completed form containing the following information to the fax number LIS - international NOTAM office: fax: 220 374 253, phone: 220 374 311 (312 or 295) and no later than 12:00 one day before the planned operation. The exception is Saturday and Sunday, when this must be done by 12:00 on Friday at the latest.
Include in the document:
- what activity is involved (e.g. operation of a winch for paragliding)
- contact person - name, telephone
- the relationship of the given contact person to the reported operation, e.g. winch operator, etc.
- position - it is given with an accuracy of seconds, the reference point of the center of the circle in the WGS 84 coordinate system and in the format of degrees, minutes and seconds and the radius of the circle in NM is enough (1,5 km should be enough)
- time - must be given in UTC
- Datum
- height above the ground in range. Eg: 0−2500ft AGL (data in feet). It is necessary to specify a maximum limit, beyond which it will not be dragged in any case.
The ladies at LIS are very helpful and in the event of any confusion, they call the indicated phone number themselves. The service is provided free of charge.
In the event that the winch operation will be on the SFD take-off and landing area, for practical reasons it is advisable for the NOTAM to include a contact telephone number, in case the pilot planning the flight to the area wants to check the situation or coordinate the arrival. Furthermore, it is appropriate that in this case it is clearly stated in the NOTAM that it is an operation from the SFD area. Most of these areas are indicated on aerial maps, even electronic or paper ones, and thus there is no need to plot the coordinates on the maps and find out whether the winch is in the meadow south of Rokycan, or on the SFD area north of the same town.
Only an authorized person can submit documents for NOTAM during winch operation. If in doubt, contact HIPL LAA ČR