My first glider instruction flights were in 1967 (off a winch) but most of my flying since then has been aero-tow.

In many hundreds of aero-tows (I haven't checked my logbook for the actual number), I have had two complete tug failures and one partial loss of power.. The first was obvious as the tug prop stopped rotating instantaneously from a dropped valve just as I became airborne. I was unable to stop before the tug (heavy 19 m ballasted glider)and landed safely alongside it. The second was virtually the same, although power loss was more gradual. the third was a non-event - I just released.

I have never experienced a rope break while airborne, but have had a couple of hairy landings when give a simulated rope break at or below 200-feet.

I still wonder why we put so many folks at risk with this exercise?

Mike