On Thursday, October 23, 2014 8:30:05 AM UTC-7, firsys wrote:
So there are tuggles (new word) who are insensitive
to change in engine note and do not monitor the tach!
No surprise, unfortunately.
JMF

The tuggies I know, including myself, haven't yet lost *all* their self preservation instinct and are keenly attuned to the performance and nuances of "their" machine. I take off with left hand holding throttle forward, ready to go for the release. But in truth, most of my attention during the take off roll is the take off roll, with brief scan of engine instruments to affirm all is well after throttle advance, rotation speed approaching where and as it should, and a few quick glances at the mirror to be sure the glider is tracking okay. I worry less about the engine than about the glider behind me. If Mr. Motor is going to try and kill you, it usually gives warning, albeit brief. If the glider tries to do you in, my understanding is there can be almost no time to recognize and react.

Sometimes Minden conditions get sporty, often with wave rotor it can take most of the tuggies attention just flying the plane. My biggest concern remains a glider kiting, especially with a CG hook. Happened once at maybe 30 feet. Mistook it for turbulence and reacted accordingly with stick. Fortunately for me the glider pilot recovered quickly, regaining position before I ran out of elevator or had a tail stall - - apologized to me afterwards. The line guy said, "He went way up, didn't you see that?!" Nope, clueless I guess.

bumper
MKIV & QV

When I'm flying at the front of the rope, I'm concerned for both me and the glider. I don't know a tuggie who isn't.