wrote in message
ups.com...
When aerotowing, is it more dangerous for the glider to pull way up,
pitching the towplane nose down, or pulling way down, pitching the
towplane nose up?

Johan Larson


Although 'low-tow' LOOKS more dangerous, I suspect that there will be
agreement that 'low-tow' is less so. A tow plane will have used up some of
its up elevator authority to trim out at towing speeds. That leaves less to
oppose a glider lifting the tail. Tugs seem to have plenty of down elevator
authority to oppose the downward pull of a glider in low tow I know of no
instance where a glider caused control problems by being low.

Of course, this ignores the issue of ropes draping over a glider in low tow.
That I have seen.

Bill Daniels