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Tow Signals
There had been yet another fatality recently as a result of
misinterpreting the open spoilers signal. True we all passed the written test and know that wiggeling the rudder means check spoilers and rocking the wings means release, yet so many students and experienced pilots alike continiue to confuse this signal and releasing the tow rope instead, often resulting in accidents. It is not hard to understand why: The tow plane barely climb, the glider pilot suspects something must be wrong with the tow plane, then he/she sees the rudder signal which confirms his thought that something is wrong, then releases the tow rope in panic, since this is what we were taught to do if something is wrong with the tow plane. I think that there is a relatively simple solution for this: 1 - If radio is available (and it always should) - use it instead of the rudder signal! 2 - If this doesn't doesn't work, the signal should be avoided until the glider is at least 200 feet, unless of course, the tow plane is in immediate danger. 3 - If the glider pilot sees the tow plane signaling something (wigling the rudder or rocking the wings) the FIRST look at the spoilers, then release the tow rope if necessary. In this case, the pilot will do the correct action regardless of the signal. I think this is what needs to be taught. I am not an instructor myself, so this is just my humble opinion... Ramy |
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