On Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 6:53:15 PM UTC-4, Tango Eight wrote:
Kirk makes good points.

Here's what we do at Post Mills. We've made converts out of three other clubs in the region. It works well.

Our signal to take up slack is to level the wings of the glider. The wing runner "confirms" this by giving the take up slack signal as slack taking proceeds. As slack comes out, wing runner raises arm vertically, wing stays level. When ready to begin the launch, the glider gives a rudder wag, confirmed by the wing runner windmilling his arm. The tow pilot acknowledges with a brief rudder wag, then begins the take off.

Efficient, water ballast compatible, easy for everyone involved to see and understand. Why isn't the SSF teaching this?

best regards,
Evan Ludeman / T8

We use the following;
Wing down: Stop. Not ready to go.
Wing rocking: shoulder to knee- Ready to go- take up slack
Wings level. Ready to go- take off- all out.
All are visible in shaking mirror and not easily mistaken
If at any time operation needs to stop. - Wing down.
All pilots trained from the get go to pull the release if rope comes tight with wing down.
We teach rudder wag for purposes of standardization so our pilots know what may be expected at other sites.
FWIW
UH