Rudder waggle

On Nov 19, 5:24 pm, "Vaughn Simon"
wrote:
Then we will have to politely agree to disagree. I have heard of too many
cases where tow plane releases failed to release, sometimes leading to loss of
the tow plane or much worse. I have also heard of situations where a tuggy
could not immediately reach the release. I have always been taught (and
taught) that the wave-off is a command. You when you get a wave-off, you
immediately release and then discuss things on the ground.

If the towplane release fails, then I argue the tow pilot will dive,
then perhaps give the wave off command. I can't imagine the tow pilot
giving a wave-off in an IMMEDIATE danger situation, as it has likely
been caused by the glider in the first place (kiting, for example).

I am also not advocating NOT RELEASING. What I am advocating is a
think before reacting attitude. If the glider pilot is taught to take
a MOMENT to consider the wing rock, then a MOMENT will also be taken
when faced with the rudder waggle. This MOMENT is used to decide
whether to release because the tug is in trouble or to look over the
glider first. Once the MOMENT has passed, if I realize the tug is
indeed rocking the wings, I WILL RELEASE. But if the tow pilot is
indeed in trouble, and the release has failed, I seriously doubt there
will be time for a waggle, the tow pilot will be diving to get
airspeed, and to get landed ASAP.

So, if you advocate IMMEDIATELY releasing, then we still disagree, I
refuse to do anything IMMEDIATELY without taking a MOMENT to consider
the consequences. There are too many automobile accidents caused by
someone swerving to avoid a minor mishap only to create a nasty
pileup, for example.

Let's keep our tuggies alive.

Absolutely! I pay attention to the tow plane, and will likely see the
problem develop before I see the wing wag, or might even give the TP a
call if I see smoke or parts being shed.

-Tom