CS 22.711  Release mechanisms

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

(a) Release mechanisms to be used for winch-launching must be so designed and installed as to release the towing cable automatically (i.e. to back-release) if the sailplane overruns the cable while it is carrying any appreciable load. 

(b) The release mechanisms must be approved. 

(c) It must be extremely improbable for bolts or other projections on the release mechanism itself or the structure surrounding the mechanism, including the landing gear, to foul the towing cable or its parachute. 

(d) It must be shown that the release force will not exceed that prescribed in CS 22.143(c) when a cable load Q_nom is applied in any direction (see CS 22.583), and that the release mechanism functions properly under any operating condition.

(e) The range of travel of the release lever in the cockpit, including free travel, must not exceed 120 mm. 

(f) The release lever in the cockpit must be arranged and designed so that the pilot force as defined in CS 22.143(c) can be easily applied. 

(g) A visual inspection of the release mechanism must be easily possible.