Tow Pilot Information

TOW-PILOT INFORMATION

Greetings - Thank you for your interest in Towing Gliders for the Regina Gliding and Soaring Club.

This information should answer most of your questions about towing gliders with a Bellanca Scout at the Strawberry Lake Gliderport. If you are not already aware, gliding and soaring have the distinction of providing the participants with undescribable enjoyment. We as power pilots know only too well the joy of flight, but until we are able to master the sky in engineless flight, we know only half of what is possible.

Another bonus to those who participate in engineless flight, is membership to a fraternity of people dedicated to the sport and each other. Gliding and Soaring are as much social activities as they are sports. From their very nature, they require teamwork and participation in order to make them work. They need instructors, glider handlers, and importantly, tow pilots.

All too often, Tow Pilots get into the rut of just doing a job. To the gliding club, it is an important job, and they want you to feel as much a part of the team as they are. They appreciate the job you are doing, and want you to enjoy yourself as much as they do.

Our club is affiliated with both Provincial and Federal Associations. The Federal association is known as the Soaring Association of Canada (SAC). This affiliation allows us to insure our equipment at extremely reasonable rates. We get charged a lump sum for each aircraft, and the club distributes this cost evenly between it's members. If you are towing gliders for the club, you must become a member of the club to be insured on our aircraft, and in so doing, pay your share of the insurance for the tow-plane.

We would like to welcome you into our club, and hope that if you join, you will participate at all our picnics, banquets, and any other get togethers we have. There are two types of membership available to you at this time : a strictly Tow-pilot membership, at $80.00 per year, or a Full-flying membership, at $145.00 per year.

Our Full-flying members may obtain free instruction in the art of flying gliders, and the use of our club gliders during normal gliding times. There is an hourly fee for the rental of our gliders and a charge for the tows, but is only enough to cover the maintenance and fuel costs.

The club has a few incentives for those who join as tow-pilots. First, for each 20 gliders you fly tow, you will be entitled to a free dual glider trip of up to 30 minutes per trip, at the discretion of the Duty Instructor (You may not fly the gliders solo unless you are a full-flying member). These trips are not transferable and must be taken by the end of the gliding year.

Second, the club will rent the tow-plane to you at an extremely reasonable rate ($150.00/hr) so that you may upgrade yourself to meet our time requirements for towing. Of course, this must be at times other than when gliding is taking place, and must be organized with the Chief Tow Pilot.

Third, if you go to the trouble of qualifying for towing, and do your share of tow duty, your first three hours of rental will be reimbursed. And after six days of towing for us, your $80.00 SAC fee will also be reimbursed.

If you have read this far, you are probably starting to get intrigued by our club, and are developing a desire to take part yourself.

We have a lot of fun in our club, but as should be the case with any flying operation, safety must be a key issue. We have a terrific safety record, and is only maintained because of the dedication we show towards it. We keep our aircraft well maintained. If any of our members notice any irregularities, they are brought to the attention of our maintenance chairman, and rectified immediately. We as members of the club are the owners of the equipment we fly, and take great pride in it. We keep it clean, and don't try to show off with it, pushing it's design limits.

A Tow-Plane must work very hard to accomplish it's task. During tow, the engine get's extremely hot, and must be intricately monitored during all phases of the tow. We tow at approximately 65 MPH. After tow, we throttle back to 2100 RPM, and descend at approximately 100 MPH. These numbers have proven to evenly cool the engine, and prevent cylinder problems. Landings should be done with flap, and may be either wheelies, or stall landings.

An extremely important part of the tow, is the takeoff. As you may know, we tow with a 200-250 ft 3/8 inch nylon rope. A weak link of 1/4 inch rope is attached at both ends of the rope to give way under great pressures.

When the takeoff phase commences, the slack in the rope is first taken up slowly. After this, power is applied slowly and evenly. During this application, the stick is held fully aft (to prevent nose-over if the rope breaks). Slow even application is necessary to prevent the glider from banging it's tail or nose after the rope is tight. After full throttle is achieved, the elevator is centralized so that the airplane tail will come up, and the airplane should lift off between 55 and 60 MPH.

Shortly thereafter, airspeed should be adjusted to 65 MPH when towing a non-fibreglass glider, and 70 MPH when towing a fibreglass glider, and maintained through the tow.

The following pages of this booklet present:

RGSC Rules & Regulations
Emergency Procedures
Pre-tow Checklist
Glider-Tow Procedures
Tow-pilot Qualifications
Tow-pilot Quiz and Answers

RGSC RULES & REGULATIONS

1) All flying shall be conducted in accordance with Air Regulations. If a club rule is found to be in conflict with Air Regulations, the Air Regulations shall supersede the club rule.

2) All flying in club gliders must be authorised by the CFI or the duty instructor. An instructor must be on duty at the field before Club equipment may be used except:
a) for the training of tow pilots authorised by the Chief Tow Pilot.
b) gliding by experienced pilots who have been previously authorised by the CFI.

3) Student pilots may soar only after they have been briefed and approved for soaring by the duty instructor on the day in question. Soaring time limit 30 min. unless approved for a longer period. All flying must be carried out within the specified radius of the field (ie: in sight of the instructor, in the upwind quadrant).

4) Licensed pilots, Flying and Sustaining Members only, may go on cross-country flights after their log books have been certified by the CFI. For certification, a pilot shall meet RGSC cross-country requirements.

5) All club members shall have annual check flights (at least two) and have their log books endorsed by the attending instructor before flying solo at the beginning of the season, except those excluded by the CFI.

6) Pilots may fly club aircraft as pilot-in-command only after complying with RGSC checkout requirements for that aircraft.

7) Incipient spins and stalls shall be conducted at safe altitude and shall be recovered by 2000 ft AGL.

8) All pilots must have a minimum of ten dual flights from our field before flying solo in club equipment unless otherwise authorised by the Duty Instructor.

9) No aerobatics shall be done in any club aircraft.

10) Tow aircraft shall not be started unless a licensed pilot approved by the Chief Tow Pilot is at the controls.

11) Pilots and student pilots must report immediately any un-serviceability or unusual landing strains to the Duty Instructor.

12) The duty instructor has the authority to check the flying ability of any club member wishing to fly, and such checks may include a request that the pilot demonstrate his ability to handle the aircraft under existing conditions.

13) When in disagreement with a ruling of the duty instructor, follow his ruling (for he is in charge of the operation). You may take it up later with the CFI.

14) Cross country retrieves with club tow planes shall only be made from aerodromes and only when it does not interfere with normal flying operations.

15) No passengers are to be carried in the tow planes except for flights authorised by the Chief Tow Pilot and Duty Instructor.

16) All pilots must have their licenses and Log Books with them and be prepared to show them upon request to the Duty Instructor.

17) Either the Duty Instructor or the Tow Pilot may halt operations if either feels that it is unsafe to continue.

18) The duty instructor is responsible for overall supervision of all flying and airfield activities.

19) All landings shall be made within the runway marker lines, unless unsafe to do so.

20) A standard rectangular circuit should precede all landings.

21) Every member has the responsibility of ensuring that when he flies or intends to fly, that he is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which include such medication as decongestants. Anyone contravening Air Regulation #408 may be grounded.

22) Pilots may not thermal or execute 360 degree turns after joining the circuit.

23) When flying a club single-seat, a parachute shall be worn. Private owners are urged to do the same in their ships.

24) Monitor radio at all times.

25) Remain clear of runways unless performing glider related duties.

26) Non-gliding vehicles must be parked at least 50 feet from the edge of the runways.

27) Under 1000 ft AGL, the minimum airspeed shall be 50 MPH.

28) When entering a thermal occupied by another glider, turns must be made in the same direction.

29) Aircraft must be inspected prior to the first flight of the day by a pilot approved for the same.

30) Only those persons with a Radio Operator's license may operate a VHF communications radio in any glider or on the ground.

31) Avoid radio chatter. Only terminology specified by the DOC is to be used.

32) New glider retrievers must be briefed on retrieve procedures, and must be under the supervision of experienced personnel when retrieving gliders.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

TOW AIRCRAFT - ABORT ON TAKE-OFF

Should the tow aircraft abort on the runway due to an emergency, the tow pilot shall release the glider at once and turn toward the left side of the runway so that, should it be necessary, the glider may pass the aircraft on the right.

EMERGENCY RELEASE PROCEDURES

TOW AIRCRAFT - Should the tow aircraft require the glider to release, the aircraft pilot shall rock the wings vigorously. On seeing this signal, the glider pilot shall release immediately. Should the Tow aircraft be unable to give this signal, the tow pilot may release the glider at the tow aircraft end. The glider pilot should immediately release the tow rope from the glider, turn right and maintain level flight to avoid the tow rope and to prevent it from encircling the glider.

GLIDER - If the glider pilot is unable to release, employing normal release procedures, he shall fly the glider well to the left of the tow aircraft and rock the wings. On seeing this signal, the tow pilot shall return the glider to the release area and release the tow rope at the aircraft end. The glider pilot shall try several more release attempts to free the tow rope and carry out a landing using a steep approach, on the assumption that the tow rope is still dragging below and behind the glider.

NON_RELEASE - In the event that neither the tow aircraft nor the glider can release, the tow pilot shall perform a power-on approach and landing with the glider in tow. The tow pilot shall extend his ground roll to prevent the glider from overtaking the aircraft on the runway. The glider pilot shall use spoilers on the approach to increase the drag, and use maximum braking on the ground roll.

PRE-TOW CHECKLIST

SEAT BELTS FASTENED
FUEL SUFFICIENT
SWITCHES ON
TRIM SET
FUEL VALVE ON
TWO NOTCHES FLAP DOWN
CARB HEAT COLD
MIXTURE RICH
PRIMER LOCKED
DOORS & WINDOWS LATCHED
INTENTIONS ON RADIO

GLIDER-TOW PROCEDURES

TOW (after take-off) :

65-70 MPH
full power to 2000 feet

DESCENT :

100-110 MPH
2100 RPM

TURN BASE (1000 ft) :

adjust to - 80 MPH
1500-1700 RPM

TURN FINAL (700 ft) :

adjust to - 70 75 MPH
- not below 1000 RPM

TOW-PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

1) An experienced glider tow plane pilot is a pilot having not less than 100 hours flight time as pilot-in-command on aeroplanes, including not less than 100 glider tow flights.

2) No person shall act as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft towing gliders unless one of the following requirements are met or exceeded:

a) If a tow plane pilot holds a Glider Pilot License and has performed five training tow flights under in-flight supervision by an experienced glider tow plane pilot, he shall:
i) hold a pilot license valid for aeroplanes,
ii) have acquired not less than 45 hours pilot-in-command flight time in aeroplanes, and
iii) have not less than 5 hours pilot-in-command flight time on the tow plane type;

b) If the tow plane pilot is not the holder of a Glider Pilot License but has performed five training tow flights under in-flight supervision by an experienced glider tow pilot, he shall:
i) hold a pilot license valid for aeroplanes,
ii) have acquired not less than 65 hours as pilot-in-command flight time in aeroplanes, and
iii) have not less than five hours pilot-in-command flight time on the tow plane type; or

c) If the tow plane pilot has not performed five training tow flights under in-flight supervision by an experienced tow plane pilot and does not hold a Glider Pilot License, he shall:
i) hold at least a Private License valid for aeroplanes,
ii) have acquired not less than 100 hours pilot-in-command flight time experience, of which 25 hours may have been acquired in gliders, and
iii) be thoroughly familiar with the operating limitations of the glider being towed and, with necessary emergency procedures.

TOW-PILOT QUIZ

1) What is the maximum gross weight? ___________________________________

2) The climbing speed for towing is _____ to _____ MPH.

3) When turning during a tow you should use _____ of bank. you may use up to a maximum of _____ of bank.

4) After ensuring that the glider has released, the tow-plane shall _____________________________________________________________________

5) What is the total fuel capacity? ____________________________________

6) What is the useable fuel capacity? __________________________________

7) What is the normal grade of fuel _____, and what colour is it? ______

8) What is the airport elevation?_______________________________________

9) What are the following airspeeds :

Best angle of climb?____________________________________________

Best rate of climb?_____________________________________________

Enroute climb?__________________________________________________

Stall, clean?___________________________________________________

Stall, full flap?_______________________________________________

Manoeuvring speed?______________________________________________

10) What is the best glide speed?________________________________________

11) What is the maximum flap extension speed?____________________________

12) Where is the fire extinguisher located?______________________________

13) What is the allowable drop of each mag?______________________________

14) What is the allowable difference in drop between each mag?___________

15) Maximum oil capacity is _____________________________________________

16) How would you know you had carb icing?_______________________________

17) Can you have carb icing if the temp is above freezing?_______________

18) What is the correct tire inflation for the main wheels?______________

tail wheel?_______________

19) What is the engine type?_____________________________________________

the rated horsepower?________________________________________

the number of cylinders?_____________________________________

20) On the walk around :

how many fuel drains are there?___________________________________

21) Are spins permitted in this aircraft?________________________________

22) What grade of engine oil is used in this aircraft?___________________

23) When starting the engine :

How much time is allowed for oil pressure to come up?___________

If it doesn't come up within this time, what must be done? _______________________________________________________

24) What is the purpose of the mixture control?__________________________

25) Why must the mixture control not be used at max lean?________________

26) How does the carb heat control work?_________________________________

Is this filtered or unfiltered air?______________________________

How do you check the carb heat control?__________________________

What do you look for?____________________________________________

27) In flight, an acrid smell is noticed within the cabin, and grey, wispy smoke is noticed about the instrument panel. What type of fire do you suspect?_____________________________________________________________

28) Maximum speed pilot window open?_____________________________________

29) Maximum speed observers window open?_________________________________

30) Maximum sustained diving speed?______________________________________

31) What is the radio frequency used at the field?_______________________

32) What is the normal spin recovery procedure?

________________________________________________________________

33) What is the minimum cylinder head temp for run-up?____________________

for takeoff?__________________

34) Cylinder head normal range is _____ to _____.

35) Maximum Cylinder Head Temp is _______________________________________

36) The signal by the tow plane pilot to indicate that the glider shall

release, is _________________________________________________________

37) The signal from the glider if unable to release, is ________________

38) The tow-plane should do what after receiving the signal indicated by question 37 above ___________________________________________________

39) If neither aircraft can release, the procedure shall be _____________

40) In the event of a rope break or accidental release, the tow plane shall _______________________________________________________________

41) During an aborted takeoff with a glider in tow, the tow pilot shall ________________________ so the glider may pass on the right.

42) A tow shall not be attempted without ________________________________

43) No operation of any sort shall be carried out with the fuel gauges showing in the __________ arc.

44) The oil level shall be maintained at not less than _______ quarts and not more than _______ quarts.

45) During an air-tow when the glider lands off field, the tow plane shall _______________________________________________________________

46) What is the normal approach speed with flaps ________________________ without flaps _____________________

47) Describe your action on how you could fly the aircraft down to circuit altitude? After releasing the glider? ________________________________

48) What overshoot procedure would you use if you missed your landing for some reason or other? ________________________________________________

49) Normal oil temperature range?_________________________________________

50) Normal oil pressure range?____________________________________________

51) What is the direction of circuit at this field?_______________________

ANSWERS TO QUIZ

1) 2150 LBS

2) 65 TO 70 MPH

3) 10 , 15

4) TURN LEFT, RAISE FLAPS, DECREASE POWER TO 2100 RPM, DESCEND AT 100-110 MPH

5) 30 IMP GALS (15 PER SIDE)

6) 29 IMP GALS (130 LITRES)

7) 100/130 , GREEN

8) 2250 feet ASL

9) 70 MPH (2 NOTCHES FLAP, 14 DEGREES)

85 MPH (FLAPS UP)

85 MPH

49 MPH

42 MPH

115 MPH

10) 62 MPH (FLAPS UP)

11) 102 MPH

12) FLOOR - FRONT

13) 200 RPM

14) 50 RPM

15) 8 US QUARTS

16) DROP IN RPM

17) YES

18) 18 +- 2 PSI , 40 +- 10 PSI

19) LYCOMING 0-360-C2A , 180 , FOUR

20) FOUR

21) NO

22) AEROSHELL W80 (SPRING) ; AEROSHELL W100 (SUMMER)

23) 30 SECS , SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY

24) CONTROLS FUEL/AIR MIXTURE

25) OVERHEATING / DETONATION

26) DIVERTS INTAKE AIR THROUGH HEAT EXCHANGER

UNFILTERED

OPEN THE CONTROL - WATCH RPM

RPM DROP

27) ELECTRICAL

28) 90 MPH

29) 130 MPH

30) 130 MPH (WITH POWER ON)

31) 123.3 MHZ

32) THROTTLE TO IDLE, APPLY FULL OPPOSITE RUDDER & SIMULTANEOUSLY APPLY NOSE DOWN

ELEVATOR TO BREAK STALL, NEUTRALIZE AILERONS WHEN ROTATION STOPS, NEUTRALIZE

RUDDER & ELEVATOR AND BRING UP NOSE SLOWLY

33) 150 DEGREES , 150 DEGREES F

34) 150 DEGREES TO 500 DEGREES F

35) 500 DEGREES F

36) ROCK WINGS LEFT TO RIGHT

37) FLY WELL TO LEFT AND ROCK WINGS

38) RELEASE TOW ROPE

39) LAND TOGETHER

40) ENSURE GLIDER IS OFF TOW, AND DO A NORMAL LANDING

41) ROLL AHEAD

42) AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL ON BOARD

43) RED

44) 7 US QUARTS , 8 US QUARTS

45) CIRCLE THE GLIDER AND CONTACT GO-ROUND CREW BY RADIO

46) 70-75 MPH

75-80 MPH

47) FLAPS UP

POWER BACK TO 2100 RPM

DESCEND AT 100-110 MPH

POWER AS NEEDED ON BASE AND FINAL, BUT NOT BELOW 1000 RPM

48) DROP THE ROPE AND FLY A NORMAL CIRCUIT

49) 100 - 245 DEGREES F

50) 60 - 100 PSI

51) LEFT HAND