Thread: Tows Downturn
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Old May 29th 12, 11:49 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Bill D
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Default Tows Downturn

On May 29, 4:21*pm, Marc wrote:
On May 29, 1:39*pm, aerodyne wrote:

I have seen 30% drop in tows the last three years, 50% in 6 years.
Some of it may be folks now come out when the weather is good and stay
up longer thanks to Dr Jack and other forecasting tools, but the drop
in active pilots is the main factor IMO


I've noticed the same thing, once people became convinced of the
accuracy of BLIPMAPs and the like, most started showing up at our
local soaring sites only on the really "good" days, then eventually
some of those stopped showing up at all. *A truly odd side-effect of
improved technology...

Marc


I would suggest an additional factor is the cost of tows. When they
are as expensive as now, it pays to pick the best days. Hey, winch
launches can cost as little as $5/launch.