Just a couple of weeks ago, I was towing a commercial glider checkride and,
per the DPE's request rocked the wings repeatedly at 2,800 AGL. The
applicant said, "Why's he rocking his wings?", and hung on to the tow. The
ride was a bust.

BTW, on the walk out to the launch line, the DPE briefed the applicant on
the signal and what it means.

I've had two engine failures with gliders on tow (blown front engine seal
and failed oil pump) and both times the glider released when I rocked the
wings. Had they not, I'd have dumped them without concern of the terrain
below.


"Greg Arnold" wrote in message
...
On 7/21/2011 12:26 PM, Frank Whiteley wrote:


http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/lo...tal-Glider-Cra...
Describes a low level tow release.

From the reports and videos, the crash site can be located on GE to
38°18'49.94"N 76°32'8.78"W

That's about 2075 feet from the end of the runway and about 285 feet
left of the runway center line.
One report mentioned the glider turned left before striking the tree.

There's a line of trees bordering the airport in the GE images.
Summer foliage along Hwy235 is definitely heavier than the GE images,
which are over four years old, dated 3/29/2007.

Looking at all 2011 accidents reported thus far, a good portion
involved pilots with little apparent time in model or particular
glider. I'm just sayin'.

Frank Whiteley

Frank Whiteley

The rest of the story
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index....story_ID/23254


How many pilots have died because they thought a rudder waggle meant they
must release?