Phil, I've been away for the day and I see much good info has been added. I
forgot to mention the CG hook considerations. I have never felt the need to
specify a tow speed. The tow pilots in my club deal with a lot of glass
ships and whatever they are using for an average has been fine for me. I
would say this is typically 60kt or so. I have experienced no problems with
the CG hook, but respect the slow tow and gust advice that others have
given - make sure the trim is full forward for takeoff. I usually tow with
+8 flap for over the nose visibility (this is at/after liftoff - the full
neg on takeoff roll definitely applies).

I will amplify the advice about not trying to limit your flap setting for
your first pattern. Use whatever it takes! I will also amplify the bit
about not having extra speed in the flare - you can/will go a long ways in
ground effect if you flare with extra speed. I try to hold 55kt in the
pattern, which will let me roll flaps in and out at will.

No matter what the previous part of the approach has been like, I find that
I usually have 90deg rolled on for touchdown. This provides a consistency
in control sensitivity. Almost immediately after touchdown I roll the flaps
back up to full neg to maintaian roll control.

As far as max l/d speed, it depends on your weight and model, but I use 54
kts at 35.1 kg/sq m. This is a PIK-20A - no flap interconnect or carbon.

Glen

"phil collin" wrote in message
...
Ok,
Glen, would you agree with Jack on the aero tow speed? seems a bit on the
high side that's all. We fly IS30's, IS28's, Blaniks, Darts, Pirats,
Skylarks, libelles etc and we generally tow them all at 60 Knots without
any issue, does the PiK fly better with a quicker tow?
also, the reading I've done suggests best L/D at 63 Knots, does that sound
right?

Thanks to you and Jack

Phil