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#1
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Double Release Failure on Tow
I'm sure a few people here have practiced it... but I really need to know:
Has it ever actually happened? I mean, has there ever been a bona fide certified, verified example of both release hooks failing in flight? The glider can't release, the glider gives the signal, the tow plane can't release, gives the signal; both aircraft land in formation. Has anybody ever heard of this actually happening? If so, how did it turn out? What was the proficiency level of the pilots who did this? Did anything get scratched or bent? |
#2
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Double Release Failure on Tow
Not heard of it happening for real. Maybe someone will know. Cindy?
Practice it, takes very precise flying by the tow pilot. Speed control and rate of descent control. Aim long or you're dragging the gliders through the weeds before the runway. Tow pilot does not brake unless he is running out of runway. Glider goes to low tow, keeps the rope tight with spoiler. Much easier in a draggy 2-33 than a Grob or K-21. BillT |
#3
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Double Release Failure on Tow
Burt may know of any.
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#4
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Double Release Failure on Tow
On Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 8:38:16 PM UTC-4, Piet Barber wrote:
I'm sure a few people here have practiced it... but I really need to know: Has it ever actually happened? I mean, has there ever been a bona fide certified, verified example of both release hooks failing in flight? The glider can't release, the glider gives the signal, the tow plane can't release, gives the signal; both aircraft land in formation. Has anybody ever heard of this actually happening? If so, how did it turn out? What was the proficiency level of the pilots who did this? Did anything get scratched or bent? Has anyone ever had an accident while landing on tow? Is breaking the rope a better option? |
#5
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Double Release Failure on Tow
Consider this.
I had this actually happen to me. I was performing a private pilot check ride in and ASK 21. When it came time time to release, the release mechanism jammed and failed to release. No radio was installed at the time. We initiated the glider can not release signal. The tow pilot assumed this was a simulated situation since we were conducting a flight test. After repeating the maneuver several times the tow pilot assumed we should land on tow instead of cutting the rope! The PA 25 tow plane has a retractable tow rope. We made a successful landing and I wheeled the ASK 21 to the shop and installed a radio! And fixed the tow release. Rex |
#6
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Double Release Failure on Tow
Thanks Rex! I guess the tow pilot failing to cut the rope is a "tow pilot release failure".
No radio in a glider, I carry a handheld. BillT |
#7
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Double Release Failure on Tow
A vigorous "Can Not
Release" signal has a good probability of breaking the weak link. If you remember not to release after breaking the weak link, you can use the Tost rings again. |
#8
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Double Release Failure on Tow
On Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 8:00:08 PM UTC-7, George Haeh wrote:
A vigorous "Can Not Release" signal has a good probability of breaking the weak link. If you remember not to release after breaking the weak link, you can use the Tost rings again. But landing on tow is fun. Jim |
#9
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Double Release Failure on Tow
Ah, yes... When we ASSuME. I always brief with the DPE before a check
ride. Glad you made it ok! On 3/27/2016 6:51 PM, wrote: Consider this. I had this actually happen to me. I was performing a private pilot check ride in and ASK 21. When it came time time to release, the release mechanism jammed and failed to release. No radio was installed at the time. We initiated the glider can not release signal. The tow pilot assumed this was a simulated situation since we were conducting a flight test. After repeating the maneuver several times the tow pilot assumed we should land on tow instead of cutting the rope! The PA 25 tow plane has a retractable tow rope. We made a successful landing and I wheeled the ASK 21 to the shop and installed a radio! And fixed the tow release. Rex -- Dan, 5J |
#10
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Double Release Failure on Tow
On Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 8:38:16 PM UTC-4, Piet Barber wrote:
I'm sure a few people here have practiced it... but I really need to know: Has it ever actually happened? I mean, has there ever been a bona fide certified, verified example of both release hooks failing in flight? The glider can't release, the glider gives the signal, the tow plane can't release, gives the signal; both aircraft land in formation. Has anybody ever heard of this actually happening? If so, how did it turn out? What was the proficiency level of the pilots who did this? Did anything get scratched or bent? Long ago at our club one of the instructors wanted to try out landing on tow. Somehow they wound up breaking the rope anyway, at around 500 feet AGL and far from the airport... No bent planes but bruised egos after the retrieve! |
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