We utilize double tows at Williams Soaring Center quite routinely.
Due to our location at sea level in the Sacramento Valley, pilots
require a 20-25 tow to the Mendecino Mountains. This requires a 20-30
minute round trip for the towplane. The double tow obviously cuts the
lauching of the fleet in half. The set up time with a competent staff
is negligible.

You can read more about our double to operation at
www.williamssoaring.com
and the Valley Soaring Association link.

Rex Mayes


The subject of double tows has been discussed a few times. I've re-read
the old threads and I have the gist of how it's done.

It's a little unclear from the old posts if double tows are a
reasonable way to get gliders in the air more quickly in the course of
routine launching. On our busiest days, my small club finds the wait
for a single tow plane too long. No other tow planes are available.
And, while we are generally enthusiastic about ground launch, it is not
an option at our site.

So, assuming plenty of ground crew and competent pilots, will double
tows overcome the extra set up time ?

Is anyone out there routinely using double tows ?

Doug