On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 12:29:55 PM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:
This is another one of those cases where the maneuver is perfectly safe if you have the currency/proficiency to do it, and you're not having a bad day, and the wind cooperates.

That pretty much describes all of aviation - what's your point?


In some scenarios, downwind-towplane-landing launches more gliders more quickly, or it is the only practical solution, or it is the safest solution with all factors considered. But I doubt that it is always more productive, safer, or necessary.

Duh. Just about everything in aviation is highly situational - when the wind is strong or there is lots of other traffic, downwind landings are obviously not the way to go. Again, what's your point?


Wherever possible, the consequences of the most likely (and apparently common) pilot error should be minimal.

Gee, if you prevent the pilot from getting into the cockpit, you would totally minimize the consequence of the most likely pilot error - committing aviation. Since most accidents seem to happen in the pattern, perhaps we just shouldn't fly patterns!

Wherever possible, pilots should be well trained and aware of their skill level and capabilities, and fly accordingly. Unless you have a lot of experience flying a variety of towplanes at a variety of sites in a variety of conditions, pontificating about safety is a bit much.