"Mark James Boyd" wrote in message
news:40252327$1@darkstar...

I actually really also liked the discussion about how longer
towropes allow an abort where the glider doesn't ram into the
back of the tug, too...

A longer rope will just move the tug further down the runway where he has
even less room. I'm pretty comfortable with 250 foot ropes. A tuggie
always has the right to abort a takeoff roll any time being on the ground
will be preferable to being in the air. What I would like is a review of
the runway abort procedures. As far as I know, the following is not in the
"How to be a Tuggie" comic book.

The first step is for the tug to release the rope - that gives the glider
pilot the unmistakable sign that this is an abort. Just as in the air, the
tug must turn left and the glider right. There may be room to leave the
runway completely or just move as far to the edge as safety allows. If
there are runway lights, there may be clearance for the tug wing to pass
over them - use all the room available. The tug should try to maintain
speed and not brake until reaching the departure end of the runway or when
it's clear that a collision is not possible.

Again, you see why I like winch launch.

Bill Daniels