Exactly. A certain soaring site in Arizona, which flew both G103's
and 2-33's insisted on "soft releases" in either, I guess
standardizing the process for the towpilots. This was 20 years ago -
The last time I visited to rent, there was no mention of this during
the check ride.

--Sarah


On Feb 11, 2:32*pm, Berry wrote:
In article
,



" wrote:
On Feb 11, 10:51*am, 66 wrote:
On Feb 10, 6:32*pm, "Paul Remde" wrote:

http://www.eaa.org/lightplaneworld/a...iderflight.asp

Nice article.

But, arggh, a soft release in a Grob? With a Tost tow hook? Really?

Just curious, is this a US only aberration or is this dangerous
practice used in other countries?

Kirk
Grumpy in snowy Illinois

The PTS says "normal towline tension" *This is the way I was taught,
and the way I teach. *Every tow pilot I have ever asked said they
would prefer normal tension release. *Every textbook I can remember
reading says normal tension. I cannot think of *one good reason for a
"soft release" and many possible problems with it. *I have no idea
where this concept came from, and why it is still use/taught in some
places. *It is funny how bad ideas seem to "stick"...... *When I do
check rides for pilots I don't know, I usually say "Now you're not
going to do a "soft release" are you?" * Sometimes I forget and they
really scare the crap out of me when they suddenly pull up and then
dive!!!

There is a movement to standardize soaring instruction and
procedures.......He is an area which needs attention!

Cookie

Soft release is an old-time Schweizer thing. The Schweizer 2-33 frame
has a small cross member just in front of the tow release that gets hit
by the tow release arm when the rope is released under tension.
Eventually, the little cross member cracks. This lets in moisture and
then you get corrosion. The soft release was an attempt to prevent that.
People were taught to do this by old-time Schweizer instructors but were
never told why. The practice took on a life of it's own and persists.