On 2/23/2014 10:23 AM, Dave Nadler wrote:
I'm confused by a couple of statements in this thread...

1) "Low tow prevents kiting"
Doesn't the kiting event often happen in early take-off,
just as glider is leaving the ground, and before low-tow
is established???

2) "Nose hook prevents kiting"
Didn't we have at least one fatal accident in USA
with a nosehook (L-13 IIRCC)??? Others???
Anybody have any facts (Yes, I know, its RAS, but...)???
I'm not saying nose-hooks don't help, however...

But then, I'm easily confused...
Thanks,
Best Regards, Dave


To me, "kiting" is a dynamic event initiated by a pull on the "kite line",
geometrical effects then combining to result in the glider ascending up the
arc of the line despite Joe Pilot's subsequent full-forward stick inputs. How
the glider gets into the position where it can kite might be (say) on a winch
launch (think CG-hook-equipped Ka-6, K-8, Nimbus II [Dick Johnson]), or (say)
on an aerotow where Joe Pilot (for some reason) puts in a quick, ill-advised
aft stick, thus presenting the belly of the CG-hook-equipped glider to the
free stream airflow.

By this definition, "kiting" is distinct from Joe Pilot simply getting out of
position above the towplane for any other reason (say, inattention).

I've the same question as you regarding 1) above...

As for 2) I'm satisfied an incompetent or inattentive Joe Pilot can yank a tug
into a dive regardless of the type of hook the glider has. Which conclusion is
100% independent (IMO) of the "kiting" issue.

Bob W.