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