View Single Post
  #4  
Old May 1st 15, 03:57 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Justin Craig[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 65
Default Towpilots ignoring turn signals


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhKpp1eMAbA



At 14:36 01 May 2015, Dan Marotta wrote:
Jim,

Did you wave him off or drop the rope? Ropes and rings are expensive!

On 5/1/2015 7:08 AM, Jim David wrote:
As a tow pilot, I have no problem letting the glider steer me.

As a glider pilot, I have no problem giving the tow pilot directional

suggestions. However, If the tow pilot is unresponsive to my suggestions,

I
don't push the envelope much past the normal wake boxing position.
That would be stupid.

Once a glider pilot tried to steer me toward a bank of clouds at our

current altitude, and I refused. He was frustrated I guess, because he
yanked my tail in the same direction a second time, as if forgetting to
release the rope. The tow was an instructional flight and the instructor
was attempting to demonstrate steering. He could have easily gone the

other
way, which was clear of clouds. So, I terminated the tow.
See ya...

The practice isn't inherently dangerous, done correctly. Some pilots

don't.
Jim.



--
Dan Marotta