low vs high tow

[John Firth[_4_]]

Since the 2-33, whatever it's demerits may be, will continue
as a basic trainer, there is much to be said for going low tow.
The student is less likely to allow the glider to
get too high, and the instructor whose view is restricted
downwards can see the towplane at all times.
That brings us to the argument over transition to high tow
before release......
JMF

[[email protected]]

On Monday, February 24, 2014 9:25:13 AM UTC-5, firsys wrote:
> Since the 2-33, whatever it's demerits may be, will continue as a basic trainer, there is much to be said for going low tow. The student is less likely to allow the glider to get too high, and the instructor whose view is restricted downwards can see the towplane at all times. That brings us to the argument over transition to high tow before release...... JMF

No need to change position. When in proper low tow position, the ropes goes stright forward. If it goes up relative to the glider, the glider was too low.
You have to be very low before the rope can hit the glider, so much so that a bowing down will be obvious.
We point this out during training so pilots can evaluate whether theri position was right while verifying that the rope is released- also easier to see than in high tow.
UH

[JS]

With limited trim capabilities, it takes quite a bit of forward stick pressure in level tow in a 2-33. Low tow, even more pressure.
What would happen if a 2-33 pilot let go of the stick in low tow?
Jim

[[email protected]]

On Monday, February 24, 2014 12:26:13 PM UTC-5, JS wrote:
> With limited trim capabilities, it takes quite a bit of forward stick pressure in level tow in a 2-33. Low tow, even more pressure. What would happen if a 2-33 pilot let go of the stick in low tow? Jim

No noticeable difference in stick force required between high and low tow in 2-33.
UH

[GC[_2_]]

On 25/02/2014 04:26, JS wrote:
> With limited trim capabilities, it takes quite a bit of forward stick
> pressure in level tow in a 2-33. Low tow, even more pressure. What
> would happen if a 2-33 pilot let go of the stick in low tow? Jim

I'd guess it would be exactly the same result as if he let go the stick
in any other glider when there's significant load on the stick.
Probably impressive but hardly surprising. Unlike letting go the stick
in a in-trim Std Cirrus or Mini-Nimbus on final glide. Impressive AND
surprising!

C'mon Jim. Why would a pilot in any glider let go the stick at any time
it's under load - whether on tow or for any other reason?

Some of this stuff about low tow gets ridiculous - and just confirms my
feelings about the basis for the opposition.

GC