5Z
July 23rd 11, 06:24 AM
On Friday, July 22, 2011 8:14:22 PM UTC-7, Steve Koerner wrote:
> The most fundamental problem is that we invented too many towplane
> signals. Consider if there were only one signal, then there could
> never be this fatal problem of misinterpretation. The signal should
> simply be "tow problem". If I get a "tow problem" signal from the
> tug, I look to see if the tow problem is coming from my end of the
> rope (check dive brakes). If it is, I immediately correct the
> problem. If the tow problem is not at my end of the rope, it must be
> at the tugs end. In which case, I wait until I am certain that I can
> make a safe return to the field and then I release.
>
> What need have we for more than one signal?
Good point!
Tow pilot signals me to "wake up, something's wrong". I then do a self assessment and if I'm happy, then the there must be something wrong with the tug. So I'll release and get out of the way.
-Tom
> The most fundamental problem is that we invented too many towplane
> signals. Consider if there were only one signal, then there could
> never be this fatal problem of misinterpretation. The signal should
> simply be "tow problem". If I get a "tow problem" signal from the
> tug, I look to see if the tow problem is coming from my end of the
> rope (check dive brakes). If it is, I immediately correct the
> problem. If the tow problem is not at my end of the rope, it must be
> at the tugs end. In which case, I wait until I am certain that I can
> make a safe return to the field and then I release.
>
> What need have we for more than one signal?
Good point!
Tow pilot signals me to "wake up, something's wrong". I then do a self assessment and if I'm happy, then the there must be something wrong with the tug. So I'll release and get out of the way.
-Tom