It struck me how similar this discussion is to the
use of transponders. Tow signals were all based upon
the fact that gliders did not have radios. Only through
wing waggles, wing rockings, rudder waggles and rudder
induced yawing could the glider pilot and tow pilot
communicate. With a radio, we can talk. The tow pilot
can start each tow with, 'DDS, confirm that your canopy
is locked and spoilers are closed.' A spoilers open
on tow situation could be corrected by the tow pilot
with, 'DDS, your spoilers are open, close your spoilers!'

A potential gear up landing could be avoided by someone
on the ground using the radio to say, 'glider on final,
your gear is not down.'

A canopy open situation could possibly be improved
by someone on the radio talking to the pilot and reminding
them to fly the plane.

I really think it is time for the glider community
to move into the 21st century and use radios. Current
radios and batteries leave no reason to not have them
installed and operating. We use the tow signals so
infrequently that they are not part of your core flying
skills. I know that when I have had high stress flying
situations, my rational brain has shut down. Under
high stress I am in survival mode. I am pretty sure
that the human voice over a radio has a much better
chance of getting the stressed pilot's attention than
all the rudder wagging and wing rocking the tow pilot
can muster.

Now I feel better.

Guy Acheson 'DDS' and '59'