Normal Aerotow

Lesson Objective

The candidate must learn the correct procedures for safe conduct of normal aerotow procedures.

Regulatory Requirement

Content

• knowledge of the elements related to high-tow (slightly above the wake) positions during various phases of aero tow.
• how to make smooth and correct control applications to maintain vertical and lateral positions during high tow.
• how to maintain proper tow position during turns.
• how to use rapid and appropriate responses to maintain position during turbulent flight and prevent slack rope.

Completion Standards

• demonstrate appropriate high-tow position during level flight
• demonstrate appropriate high-tow position during turns
• respond rapidly and correctly to any atmospheric disturbances
• explain the elements related to proper aerotow positions.

Prerequisite Study

• Top Ten ways to Fail a Practical Test (and how to pass one) http://home.att.net/~jdburch/aerotow.htm -- An excellent resource showing the positions on tow that Skyline instructors will expect
• Glider Flying Handbook, Aerotow Climb-out And Release Procedures, page 7-6 through 7-8.

Other Study

• Learning to Fly Gliders, Introduction to flying the aerotow, page 37, 38.
• Learning to Fly Gliders, Flying the aerotow with stick and rudder, page 39.