CG hook on aero tows??

On 6 Jan 2004 12:41:34 -0700, (Mark James Boyd)
wrote:


First of all, if the manual says to not use the C.G. hook
for aerotow, I personally wouldn't try it, even once.
But that's just me.


But what do you do with a glider like our ASW-27?
If only a CG hook is installed (yes, there are at least 150 27's
flying like this), it's fully certified for aerotow on the CG hook.
Since the new rules came out, all new 27's have a nose hook installed
and therefore this one MUST be used for aerotow.

Does the installed nose hook suddenly make the aerotow on the CG hook
dangerous?


OK, be prepared for me to completely change my tune. Are you guys
telling me the manual says that if it has only a CG hook, you can
aerotow with it, but if both hooks are present, the manual
prohibits aerotow on the CG hook for the ASW-27? And the
W&B limits and CG hook locations are identical for both
gliders?

If THIS is the case, a certainly can't argue with those
who see it as a simple paper shuffle. But I'd also say that in
this case a factory test pilot has surely flown that exact type of glider
with the CG hook in the exact position and flown it aerotow
that way. This means anyone who does it is NOT therefore a
test pilot.

Sounds like removing the nose hook just to "legally" aerotow
off the CG hook is a ridiculous paper shuffle hassle...
And yes, I did read the reasons why one might want to remove it.
Hmmm...so much for the manual, eh?