as a PIC, you always have the option to decide that the risk is not within acceptable limits it's no different than the wind being to strong for you. no one is using a cattle prod to jockey you into the towplane. you can refuse to fly, and if you aren't comfortable, i hope you have refused.

has your club/operation switched to a TOST release? if not, why? you could refuse to tow until they switch, both because it makes you uncomfortable, and as a means of getting your point across. we all have the option of staying on the ground regardless of what the regs say. maybe you've already done that. lobby your clubs leadership to switch releases. if they don't want to pay for it and you're so passionate, talk to people, take up a collection amongst them, and pay some for the release yourself. have you done these things?


On Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 8:43:10 PM UTC-4, Walt Connelly wrote:
Before I send my letter to the FAA I'd like to ask if anyone has ever
attempted to get them to see the light and end the use of Schweizer
hooks on tow planes here in the land of the free and the home of the
brave. It is a well known fact and clearly stated in the SSA/SSF and
FAA circulars and literature that under certain conditions (the exact
condition that the tow pilot will need to release) that it can be near
impossible to release the glider. Tow planes have crashed, lives have
been lost and at the same time everyone knows that this is a dangerous
situation.

Along with the conversion to Tost hooks I'd like to see it made
mandatory that the release handles be up high, near the throttle and
quickly available to the tow pilot with adequate mechanical advantage. I
can assure you that one does not have the time to go ducking and
reaching and feeling for a handle down on the floor of a Pawnee while
the glider kites in back of you.

The idea of requiring nose hooks on all gliders does not seem to be
feasible although it has been brought up to me as something that needs
to be addressed. My understanding is that the CG hook is meant for
ground/winch launch operations, however I have probably done thousands
of CG hook aero tows with no problem. For the most part these are ships
being flown by the best and most aware pilots. I'd like more input from
experience pilots on this point.

I currently have a number of highly experienced pilots from all levels
of aviation in agreement with me and willing to help me in this cause.


If one life is saved as a result of this endeavor then it will be well
worth it.

Walt Connelly




--
Walt Connelly