On Nov 12, 4:28*pm, "noel.wade" wrote:
All -

Do any of the USA folks here on RAS operate in a club without a 2-seat
towplane? *If so, how do you check out new towpilots? *Do you find
simulated towing acceptable training?

On a related topic: Given the dearth of Robins in the USA for tri-gear
towing, does anyone have suggestions on a tri-gear towplane that can
operate out of a rough grass strip? *We now land on asphalt, but our
takeoff area has some broad swales and occasional mole-holes. *It has
spawned legends of bent Cessna firewalls; so a 180 or 182 seems to be
out of the running. *Any alternatives out there that are capable of
hauling up a loaded 2-seater like a G-103 or L-23?

Thanks,

--Noel

Any airplane is going to have problems with runways with mole holes,
you can drop a main tire into the hole as easily as nose wheels or
tail wheels.

A C180 is a taildragger, a C182 a nose dragger. So why is the 180 out
of the running?

We have a single seat Pawnee for towing, best tow plane made, Piper
Pawnees. Simulated tow training works, we've used Super Cub,
Decathlon, and C170 for training. First three tow flights for the new
tow pilot, a CFIG is in the glider, first tow is normal, 2nd tow,
worst student you can be, moving all around and box wake and slack
line training. 3rd flight, pattern tow. Followed by critique and
question/answer session.

A good tow plane? Depending on where you are and density altitude
issues. C150 with 150HP or better. C182 if light weight, high DA
you'll not want full fuel. Super cub with 180HP. Scout.

T