"rolf a. buelter" wrote: "snip"
> 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.
> 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.
The final sentence of the above extract from Rolf's message gives me the very
clear impression that he uses and teaches what I have previously referred to as
the OLD technique of keeping the glider low (about 2-3 feet above the ground)
until the tug lifts off and then following the tug up in the low tow position.
If this impression is correct then the "book" he is referring to is obviously
not the current GFA Instructors' Handbook.
To quote from the Instructor's Handbook just one more time:
'The glider will lift off before the tug and should be held at a height of six
to ten feet above the ground (about the height of the tug's fin) until the tug
also separates. In this situation the glider will be above the tug's
slipstream"
"If intending to carry out a low tow, maintain station above the slipstream as
the tug leaves the ground. When the tug is positively established in a climb,
move the glider gently but positively down through the turbulence behind the tug
until once again in smooth air"
In my opinion it is a matter of judgement as to when the tug can be considered
to be "positively established in a climb". The point that I have probably been
boring everyone with is that I believe it is safer to remain in the high tow
position until at a safe height for the conditions.
If I have misinterpreted Rolf's message, then I apologise. But if through
flogging this thread for a couple of weeks, the end result is that a few more
pilots change to the current GFA initial climb teaching, then it will have been
worth the effort.
--
Brian Wade
Personal Computer Concepts
Uniform Time
PO Box 114 INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068
Ph: 07 3371 2944 Fax: 07 3870 4103
Win a fully furnished luxury Gold Coast waterfront home and support Australian
War
Veterans
Total value - $1,005,000
http://www.rslartunion.com
To be drawn on 9 May 2001
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!
--
* You are subscribed to the aus-soaring mailing list.
* To Unsubscribe: send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
* with "unsubscribe aus-soaring" in the body of the message
* or with "help" in the body of the message for more information.
