Boxing the Wake

Lesson Objective

Regulatory Requirement

• §61.87(i)(2)
• Private Pilot Practical Test Standard II-C

Content

• Positions of the glider behind the towplane
• High and Low-tow positions (also see lesson plan 3a -- Hi-Low Tow Transition
  
• Low-left, low-right, high-right, high-left

Procedure

• Call the tow-plane on the radio, "90866, this is 341 Kilo-Sierra, we're going to box the wake"
• Wait until the towplane has begun straight and level flight.
  
• Perform transition through the wake into low tow position.
  
• Proceed to high left tow position. Hold this position for at least three seconds.
  
• Proceed to low left tow position.  Hold for three seconds.
  
• Proceed to low right tow position.
  
• Proceed to high right tow position. Hold for three seconds.
  
• Return to normal high tow position.
  

Completion Standards

1. Exhibit knowledge of the elements related to boxing the wake (maneuvering around the wake).
2. Maneuver the glider, while on tow, slightly outside the towplane’s wake in a rectangular, box-like pattern.
3. Maintain proper control and coordination.

Prerequisite Study

• Top Ten Ways to Fail the Practical -- "Boxing the Wake"
• Glider Flying Manual -- "Boxing the Wake" page 7-10.
  
  • Although note that Figure 7-12 can be misleading.  High tow is where the towplane is lined up with the horizon.  There is no horizon on this figure.

Hints

• You have reached low tow position when the horizontal stabilizer appears to cut through the rear-view mirror on the tow plane.
• You have gone out far enough to the side when the tail-wheel and the main wheel line up.
• A common error is to not maintain the  horizontal position when moving from low-left to high-left and vice-versa.  Give a little bank to prevent getting pulled back to the center