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Old July 1st 15, 08:54 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Johan Pretorius
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Posts: 9
Default Use of ridge lift for tow - review of procedure/protocol

If you know there's lift on the ridge (other gliders are already there, climbing before getting away from a local ridge) then just release before you get to the ridge and fly there yourself.

If you don't know there's lift then it will be because there also isn't a traffic issue - so get towed into the lift, once you know there's good lift then release and slow down. Towing happens at faster than your best glide, so slowing down to best glide (or whatever is safe for the ridge you're on) will cause separation to build up.

In the second scenario, the potential problem I can see is if the ridge lift is too rough for you to be comfortable about slowing down after release. In that case, either release and turn away from the ridge into calmer air or (better) let it take you past the lift, release as you would normally, turn around and come back as fast as you like.