Chapter 12 Tow

Question 1

When should tow hooks be inspected?

Answer 1

Daily and before each tow.

Question 2

Two types of tow hooks / rings.

Answer 2

Schweizer & Tost

Question 3

Characteristics of Schweizer ring?

Answer 3

1 Ring. 2” diameter, 1/4” steel. Check for deep dents & cracks.
Will not fit into a Tost hook.

Question 4

Characteristics of Tost ring?

Answer 4

2 rings
1 oblong & 1 circular
Circular ring fits into hook.
Tost ring will fit into schweizer hook but will probably get stuck.

Question 5

Checks of tow mechanism?

Answer 5

1. Proper latching
2. Proper release and re-latch.
3. Handle attachment to the cable
4. Cable not looped around anything.

Question 6

Pre-launch tow hook test?

Answer 6

1. Latching
2. Pull without release
3. Pull with release & full closure
4. Re-latch and pull

Question 7

Rope inspection

Answer 7

1. No knots
2. No cuts
3. No abrasions
4. No fraying
5. Appropriate strength

Question 8

What should the strength of the rope be?

Answer 8

80 - 200 % of the max operating weight of the glider.

Question 9

What should be done if rope strength is greater than 200% of the glider max operating weight?

Answer 9

1. Install two weak links
2. Glider = 80 - 200%
3. Tow = 25% greater than glider but not exceed 200% of glider max operating weight

Question 10

How does high density altitude affect tow and glider?

Answer 10

Less engine power
Longer take-off distance
Low climb rate

Question 11

Open tow hook signal.

Answer 11

WR to Glider
Open hand.

Question 12

Close tow hook signal?

Answer 12

WR to Glider
Closed fist.

Question 13

Take up slack signal?

Answer 13

WR to Tow.
One arm front to back up to shoulder height.

Question 14

Signal for hold when tow rope slack is taken up?

Answer 14

WR to Tow
Both arms out to side at shoulder level.

Question 15

Lift wing signal

Answer 15

Glider to WR
Thumbs up.

Question 16

Glider ready for take -off signal?

Answer 16

Circle arm

Question 17

Tow ready for take-off signal

Answer 17

Tow to WR & Glider
Waggle rudder

Question 18

Glider ready for take-off

Answer 18

Glider to Tow
Waggle rudder.

Question 19

Stop operation signal

Answer 19

WR to Tow / Glider
Wave both arms from shoulder to above head.

Question 20

Release tow rope immediately signal?

Answer 20

Anyone to anyone.
Cut throat

Question 21

Check controls signal?

Answer 21

Rotating thumbs up.

Question 22

Who must the tow pilot notify on take-off?

Answer 22

Control Tower.
If there is no control tower, they must notify the Flight Service Station FSS

Question 23

The tow pilot must do what before take-off?

Answer 23

Clear runway.
No one in front of glider wings
Glider airbrakes in.
Traffic in pattern

Question 24

What elevation above the tow plane is enough to keep the tow plane from climbing?

Answer 24

10% of the rope length. 200’ rope = 20’.

5.7 degrees

Question 25

Tow plane should limit bank angle to?

Answer 25

15 - 20 degrees

Question 26

Tow speed should be greater than?

Answer 26

120% tow plane stall
130% glider stall

Question 27

What tow position should be avoided?

Answer 27

In the wake. It causes excessive drag.

Question 28

What should be verified before starting a turn after release?

Answer 28

1. Clear area
2. Rope has been released
3. Turn is opposite of tow plane.
   Usually right turn for glider
   Clear - Release - Turn

Question 29

The rope trails the tow by what angle from horizontal?

Answer 29

30 - 40 degrees

Question 30

What to do when release is made on the runway?

Answer 30

Tow goes left, glider goes right and applies brakes.

Question 31

What is procedure if the glider fails to release?

Answer 31

Glider goes to left of tow and rocks wings.
Tow takes glider back to airport area and releases.