Schweizer towhook inversion

As suggested long ago, Schweizer towhooks may be difficult to operate in the event of a kiting incident, and are much safer if installed upside down. I have found a copy of an FAA approval (form 337) for doing this on a Pawnee. If anyone still wishes to do this modification, having this prior 337 approval will probably make getting FAA approval for the modification easier.

The 337 form, along with backup documentation, is at the following dropbox link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6skt3g1q...wmcZ3Edxa?dl=0

Originally Posted by Andrew[_16_]

As suggested long ago, Schweizer towhooks may be difficult to operate in the event of a kiting incident, and are much safer if installed upside down. I have found a copy of an FAA approval (form 337) for doing this on a Pawnee. If anyone still wishes to do this modification, having this prior 337 approval will probably make getting FAA approval for the modification easier.

The 337 form, along with backup documentation, is at the following dropbox link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6skt3g1q...wmcZ3Edxa?dl=0

Good information and congrats for making it available. While one might be in the process to at least invert the hook I would strongly recommend making the release handle available to the pilot while seated in the upright and strapped in position. Not all kiting events are slowly evolving, some are violent and instantaneous and diving for the floor can be quite challenging under such conditions. I would also strongly suggest increasing the mechanical advantage of the handle above the recommended 5 - 1 ratio recommended by the FAA.

Walt Connelly
Former Tow Pilot
Now Happy helicopter Pilot

On Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 12:25:29 PM UTC-4, Andrew wrote:
As suggested long ago, Schweizer towhooks may be difficult to operate in the event of a kiting incident, and are much safer if installed upside down.. I have found a copy of an FAA approval (form 337) for doing this on a Pawnee. If anyone still wishes to do this modification, having this prior 337 approval will probably make getting FAA approval for the modification easier.

The 337 form, along with backup documentation, is at the following dropbox link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6skt3g1q...wmcZ3Edxa?dl=0
Thank you brother!