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Old January 2nd 11, 11:53 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Chris Nicholas[_2_]
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Posts: 197
Default poor lateral control on a slow tow?

I think that some of the postings above, when referring to tow
positions, are to some extent using different definitions of high and
low tow.

When I started my UK glider training in 1970, a "high" tow position in
the glider was level with, or even higher than, the tug. It was way
above the tug wake and prop wash. It was the normal position for
towing at my gliding club, and as I understood it at the time, the
same for most UK gliding club training.

A "low" tow position meant below the tug wake and propwash. It was
normally only used for long cross-country tows, and was allegedly
easier for the glider pilot, particularly in thermic conditions. I saw
it and experienced it also when dual tows were practised. The glider
on the short rope went to the high tow position, and the glider on the
long rope into low tow.

After a series of tug upset accidents, UK practice was changed. The
normal tow position now became a lower "high" tow, not far above the
tug wake and propwash. With a tug that was climbing well, this placed
the glider below the tug. That is now the norm, in the UK, as far as I
know. Consequently, with anything other than a very low powered tug, a
glider on tow often has its longitudinal axis horizontal, or even
inclined above the horizontal.

Chris N