Vaughn wrote:

_Positive_ confirmation is seeing the rope fall away from the glider, and it
works for any release, soft or hard.

Unfortunately, not true; at least not in all gliders.

Especially not true if you are a back seater.

Ah, the vision thing.... I've found that one can use use elevator and
rudder, gently, as you suggest, to make all things clear from either
seat. I am increasingly reluctant, as the years progress, to beat up the
tow hooks on the Schweizers I fly by using a hard release. I prefer a
modified-soft, if you will; tension reduced (no slack line) and visual
confirmation of separation.

Something more straight forward might be better when working with students.

As a tow pilot I want no doubt at either end that there is a confirmed
release. Neither of us would enjoy the Nantucket Sleigh Ride that can
result from a miscue.


Jack