At Dunstable we experimented a few years ago with devices to make the rope
fly higher; useful as we are surrounded by fences, hedges and power wires.
We found that while these worked, they were not nearly tough enough to
withstand being dragged about on the surface of our airfield and were
rapidly destroyed after a few backtracks. As a result we abandoned the
experiment.

The real point about avoiding collisions between the glider and the rope
after release is that the glider MUST make a climbing turn immediately after
the pilot has ascertained that the rope has been released. As an instructor,
I find there is in increasing tendency for students not to do this, probably
because their mind-set is established by winch launching, where lowering the
nose after release is the normal action. When flying with an aerotow-cleared
student for the first time, I work on the worst-case assumption they will
push rather than pull after releasing the aerotow. I guard the stick as they
release and if they don't make an adequate climbing turn, I take control
immediately, make the climbing turn, and make a mental note to mention this
item to the student in the post-flight debrief. In this case I would insist
on a second aerotow in which I want to see the student demonstrate the
correct technique after release before I sign them off. This might seem
harsh but it could be a life-saver.

David Starer

"W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.)." wrote in message
...
This sounds like bad news to me, it increases the risk that the rope may
foul the glider after release.

I recall that there was a fatality in New Zealand when the rope had a
funnel
close to the end, to stabilise it; it also caused the rope to ride high.
The glider was a Slingsby Dart, and after release the rope wrapped round a
tailplane.

Also, in the U.K. there was a fatality to a Bocian flown solo when the
rope
fouled the glider, I am not sure whether this was after release or due to
a
bow in the rope.

Anything which might cause the rope to get close to the glider after
release
should be avoided.

W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.).
Remove "ic" to reply.


"John Galloway" wrote in
message ...

I have a vague recollection that a while back someone
mentioned in passing that their club used a little
drougue chute near the glider end of the aerotow rope
to fly the rings higher during approach and landing.
Does that ring any bells? If so I would appreciate
some information - or did I just imagine it?