Visual Signals

Lesson Objective

The candidate must know all of the ground signals used by the line crew, for different circumstances, such as take up slack, open and close the tow hook, hold, begin takeoff, stop, release towline, and emergency stop.

The candidate must also know all of the SSA standard signals used between the glider and towplane.

Regulatory Requirement

Student Pilot: 14 CFR §61.87(i)(11)
Private Pilot Test Candidate: PTS Area of Operation IIE

Content

The student/candidate will know: The following hand signals:

Check controls (although not used in our club)
Open Towhook
Close Towhook
Raise Wingtip
Take up Slack
Hold
Begin Takeoff
Stop Operation Immediately!
Stop
Release Towrope
Stop Engine Now

The following in-flight visual signals:

Towplane is ready for takeoff
Something wrong with glider (Close Airbrakes!)
Towplane, please turn left
Towplane, please turn right
Towplane, increase tow airspeed
Towplane, decrease tow airspeed
Glider! Release immediately!
Towplane, the glider can not release!
Glider, the towplane can not release!

Completion Standards

When complete, the student will know and be able to demonstrate all of the signals listed above.

Prerequisite Study

Hand Signals: Glider Flight Manual page 7-1
In-flight Aerotow Visual Signals: Glider Flight Manual page 7-2
14 CFR § 91.309(5) Towing: Gliders and unpowered ultralight vehicles.

Additional Study

Soaring Safety Foundation Wingrunner's Course -- Launching the Glider
Soaring Safety Foundation Poster, "Something is wrong with the glider"

Next Lesson: 2h -- Normal Takeoff
Previous Lesson: 2f -- Aerotow Release
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