On Wednesday, May 7, 2014 10:34:48 AM UTC-5, Bill D wrote:

The point is when conditions allow, a pilot should know how to turn back safely.

Precisely. It's called airmanship - knowing how to handle your plane in any conceivable situation.

If you aren't practicing something new and unusual (or at least thinking about it) on every flight, you are limiting your growth as a pilot.

My one real PTT happened at Turf Soaring (Pleasant Valley Airport) many years ago, giving a ride in old 66W - a beat up old 2-32. Tow rope was hooked up incorrectly (muddy) and released just past the end of the runway (taking off to the East) at what i guess was around 150 - 200 ft, no more. No good options other than turning back or landing in the desert; so I turned back...and had enough energy to roll back up to the surprised line boy who had just launched me. Turned the glider around, hooked up again, and the customer got his full ride the second time.

BUT--conditions were calm with light winds and no lift; and the tow was fast - and it was pretty easy to whip that big old beast around in a steep turn and bring it back to land, as I had a lot of time in 2-32s at the time. Never felt that I was too low during the turn, but didn't even try getting real slow (if you have time in 2-32s you will appreciate why!).

Yes, it can be done. But you have to know your plane WELL, and have the right conditions, and fully understand the consequences of pooching it!

Get out there and practice!

Kirk
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