"Andy" wrote in message
...
On Jul 24, 5:07 am, 150flivver wrote:


I disagree. There should be an urgent, serious emergency type signal--
the wing rock, and a not-so-serious, advisory type signal such as the
rudder waggle. If you can't keep the two separated, then perhaps you
need to take up a different hobby where you're actions don't impact on
the lives of the tow pilot or yourself. I don't have the luxury of
getting the glider up to 1000 feet if I throw a valve at 200. It's
much more common for the glider to survive a release at 200 feet, than
a tow plane having a serious problem down there and having a good
outcome.

I'd be interested in hearing from tow pilots that had a real in flight
emergency and used the wave off signal. It's always seemed to me to
be a bit like the "too slow" winch signal i.e. if you need to give it
then you're not in a situation to do so.

If there's time to negotiate I'll use the radio, if not I think I'll
be pulling the release.

Andy

I've only *had* to wave off one glider - when the front seal on the engine
failed, coating the windscreen with oil and filling the cockpit (Pawnee)
with smoke. I gave the wing rock and started a spiral down to the field.
Talking with the instructor after the fact and thanking him for the quick
release, he laughed and said he saw wingtips rocking in a cloud of smoke.
He released at the initial puff of smoke.

Dan