To simplify matters I combine my contribution to those topics.
>From my previous life in Germany I have some limited experience with high
tow and now a few hundred low tow launches here. The low tow position is
more comfortable and easier to fly, especially for a beginner. I'm not even
sure why but thats what i found. I also regard the low tow position as
significantly safer than high for the tug pilot. Overclimbing of the
towplane by the glider occurs much easier from high for a number of reasons,
i.e. the glider starts from high anyway and less time is available to
correct, the glider accelerates during the process and generates more lift,
the slingshot effect gives the last push. Without statistics at hand I can
not prove but I dare say that more tugs were lost due to overclimbing than
other causes.
The added safety for the glider pilot due to 50 or so feet more height is
marginal at best and should not be needed in a well managed tow. For these
reasons I'm happy to stick with the book and instruct accordingly.
I do understand the importance of a weak link for the tow plane and pilot
and don't advocate it's abolishment. As the glider pilot however I would be
just as happy not to have one. I find it very difficult to see a glider
damaged due to overload in an aerotow. It is a risk with low probability and
much easier to manage than the risk of a broken weak link early in the tow.
I know of operations overseas which conciously delete the weak link because
of that risk, significant in their case as they have nowhere to go once over
the fence.
We are discussing the merits of high tow to deal with emergencies at low
height and at the same time most Australien operations use a weak link made
from an untested piece of thin rope, worn and UV damaged. The only correct
weak link is of the certified steel kind close to the tow plane. It can't do
any damage there is is out of the dirt. If we want to be serious about
safety during the climb out phase lets fix that first before we meddle with
proven launch configurations.
Rolf - VH-WQF
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