Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Youngblood
On Monday, September 16, 2019 at 2:43:06 PM UTC-4, Walt Connelly wrote:
'Duster[_2_ Wrote:
;1000607']We are looking to purchase a Pawnee PA-25 that had a
Continental engine installed (230hp?). It is approved for aerial towing
(Schweizer hook) and we are trying to decide if it's worth the
time/money to seek an FAA conversion to towing gliders with a TOST. Have
read through several of the RAS discussions on this and talked with a
couple clubs that completed STC's/FDSO field inspections. I get the
feeling it's a real headache, some people concluded they wouldn't do it
again. Anyone have a better experience or advice?
Thanks
D
"Trying to decide if it's worth the time/money?" Time and money should
not enter into the equation when the life of your tow pilot may depend
on the TOST release. If you don't care about the life of your tow pilot
then by all means keep the Schweizer hook. While you're at it you might
give consideration to placing the release handle where the pilot can
quickly access it in the upright, seated position. JMHO
Walt Connelly
Former Tow Pilot
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Walt Connelly
I think that Walt has pretty much summed up the situation. Walt has see my towplane release arrangement and commented on what he saw on the Yellow Gorilla, simply put, it is SAFE, but not fool proof. Get that release handle where it is within easy reach of the pilot.
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There is NO foolproof system, if the glider kites suddenly at a low enough altitude the tow plane will go in with potentially catastrophic results. I'm not talking about the slow, annoying type of kite, I'm talking the tow plane going from staight and level to nose steeply down in the wink of an eye, it happens. My concern is that a known deficiency in both the Schweizer hook and the position of the release continue to prevail. IF the Schweizer hook is to be used it must be inverted and the release handle needs to be such that it is immediately available to the pilot in the upright, seated position. If your IA can't figure out how to do this get another IA.
Walt Connelly
Former tow pilot
Now happy helicopter pilot.