Winch launching has been in continuous use in Europe and elsewhere in the world for decades. Here in the U.S., the availability of inexpensive tow planes and cheap fuel turned winch launching into an oddity. With rising fuel and maintenance costs, the exclusive use of aero tow has become a liability for many soaring clubs and commercial operations.

This group will be discuss creating a soaring club in Northern California which will be dedicated to owning and operating a modern winch and suitable training glider. Initially it will operated at one of the existing soaring sites. Eventually it may make sense to establish a new site within an hour or so of the SF Bay area. We will make uses of best training and operating practices, ensure currency of pilots, and make every effort to develop a core group of winch trained instructors, pilots, and drivers focused on safety.