Aerotow
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May 16, 2024
In my last article, we discussed what wing-loading is and how it affects the glider. Essentially, it is the aircraft's weight divided by the wing area & is a crucial factor in the cross country performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of wing loading, addressing key considerations
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August 13, 2020
Before I get started, I want to make something very clear. I have been a tow pilot for about a year and a half now and in no way have the experience like some reading this may have when it comes to towing gliders. But one thing that I’ve noticed is that most tow pilots have a glider rating, however, most glider pilots do not tow. So that was the inspiration for this article, let me put you in the perspective
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June 04, 2020
The year is 2012 and I am flying my very first contest in the mighty Schweizer 1-26. Various club members have brought me along on cross country flights and given me hours of briefing on contest operations. Finally, it’s time to compete! I’ve settled into the cockpit, belts are on, the checklist is complete. I watch my towplane pull-up and someone quickly connects the rope. As the wing runner disappears
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September 12, 2019
A soft release when performed on a Schweitzer hook prevents the release arm from slamming into the stop. It also puts less wear on the latch on both the male and female sides. It also keeps the rope from tying itself into a huge knot. The knot gets dragged on the runway and quickly wears it out as it’s now has a single point dragging across the pavement.
If done correctly,
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June 13, 2019
Happy Fathers Day.
To celebrate Fathers Day, I want to share what I learned from my Father. He soloed in gliders at 15 and has accumulated a lot of hours since then. I bounced around with instructors before I soloed at 14, but I did my most of my power instructing with him in the family Cessna 180, and later in my Cessna 140 I rebuilt.
Smooth
Being smooth on the controls.
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September 06, 2018
Normally we all brag about how far we soared. Little brag about how far they have gone while still attached to the towplane. I am sure we do not have the record aerotow, but we have done Warner Springs CA to Red Deer Canada (1,315 miles, 12 hours on tow, one-way), round-trip...twice. Sky Sailing in 1964 bought a new Schweizer 2-32 and a new Super Cub, then flew them across the country to Fremont CA.
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February 01, 2018
When I am trying to teach aero-tow to students I spend most of the time telling them to 'get the wings level'. Most of the time they over control and try too quickly to get aligned. This results in going back and forth behind the towplane.
Most of the time the student overshoots. I find it easier to teach them to just level off and get in control of the glider, even if that means you are out
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March 02, 2017
You want to be surprised when the rope doesn't break. I use this same pessimistic attitude while slope soaring. Be surprised when things go your way. But this should be applied to the entire tow too. When you do your takeoff checklist you really want to be ready for it. Not just giving the checklist lip service. Be ready when it breaks and have a plan. Know where you are and where