On Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 1:38:34 PM UTC-6, Richard Garrity wrote:
Skyline Soaring Club has suffered a tragic loss of a member in the crash of our tow plane. The accident occurred on October 7th while towing an ASK21. The glider released at very low altitude and returned safely to the airport. The NTSB is investigating and factual information is shown on their web site. Our flight operations resumed on October 21st after a Safety Meeting and a club Memorial at our hangar. Our sport has its own hazards and we must be constantly vigilant! Skyline Soaring with the strength of its 100+ members will continue with its mission to support soaring! The Club is reaching out to all in our community for any assistance in replacing our tow plane. We know that word of mouth is the best way to hear of a suitable tow plane that maybe becoming available. Your thoughts and ideas will be appreciated. Please contact me directly by phone or email. Thank you...

Dick Garrity
SSC Board Member
410 268 7069


Dick:

Although I understand when you say a 1000hr pilot is a pro, I take exception to the description. Being a professional pilot has far more to do with the attitude and discipline one takes with them into the cockpit. I've flown (as a CFI) with low time students who are totally focused on the relationship between them selves and the tow plane. I also tell my new tow pilots (as the chief tow pilot) the last thing you should do before moving the power lever to the maximum enthusiasm position is to review what you will do in the event of an untoward move by the glider pilot and last to look at the tow rope release lever before departing.