tow rope brake practice crash, what can we learn...

On Friday, July 22, 2011 6:42:31 AM UTC-7, Dan Marotta wrote:
I've had two engine failures with gliders on tow (blown front engine seal
and failed oil pump) and both times the glider released when I rocked the
wings. Had they not, I'd have dumped them without concern of the terrain
below.

Exactly! If I get a wing rock, I'll think long and hard if pulling the release will put me in danger. If, while thinking, the tow pilot dumps me, then the decision is made.

The tow pilot has two (radio is the third) options to "signal" the glider: wing rock and pull the release. Pulling the release is easier to do, so if the towplane rocks its wings for me, I will assess the situation before pulling the release.

When driving a car, do you immediately swerve when something jumps out in front of you? At a low speed this might work. At high speed this results in a rollover. Always, *think* before you act!!!

-Tom