tost

Gliding safety begins before you take off. Proper Preparation on the ground is essential to prevent emergencies before they happen. One risk to address before the start of your flight is related to the tow rope, specifically the potential danger it poses, NOT breaking. The solution to this issue lies in a simple but vital component: the TOST weak link.

What is a Weak Link?

A weak link is a safety

The TOST drum brake, used in many gliders, has a well-earned reputation for gentleness. We can make this worse by not knowing how to adjust the cable tension, or by not knowing that the shoes can become glazed and need dressing.

For two decades, I was too busy to do my own maintenance; then retirement struck. Now I had time but no experience.  First, the main tire was bald, due to pumice having

Editors Note:  Braking systems have evolved well past the skid.  Effective sailplane braking is important to every flight.  Here is an article from Tost on brake maintenance adjustment.  Tost produces some of the most effective sailplane braking systems available today.

By Barbara Dorflein
 

Tost Shoe Brake Wheel

Shoe brake wheel advantages are simple construction, reduced space requirements,

In wintertime, we receive many customer releases from all over the world every day for overhaul. So, what does it take to overhaul a tow release? 

Register the Release

The first step is to register them by release type, serial number, special features like release lever type, special external levers or brackets, mounting bolts, the position of the lever on the semi-circular (we call it segment),

Editors Note: Tost has been manufacturing sailplane tow releases since 1952. Their releases are a worldwide standard known for safe gliding launches. More than 73,000 have been produced. Tost uses only precision components: hook, segment, housing, ring cage, and release lever. We are fortunate to have Susanne Dupont as our guest author. Susanne's grandmother Anneliese co-founded Tost G.M.B.H in 1945.