On Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 9:14:53 AM UTC-6, Dan Marotta wrote:
Don,



This discussion is mainly by and for US pilots.* In the US, steering
the tug is acceptable practice and is taught during training.* It is
not dangerous as you suggest because it's common practice.



In the US, my experience regarding ground launch has typically been
that most folks consider it dangerous.* I find it quite enjoyable
and cost effective compared to air tow.



I understand that, in Australia, it is MANDATORY to fly in high tow
position.* That makes me very uncomfortable when I'm flying the tug..



In Britain, they do a lot of cloud flying.* You've already read in
recent threads that US pilots (me excluded) think that's crazy and
dangerous.



So I ask you:* What's dangerous?* Is it what you think is dangerous
based upon your experience and under common practices where you fly,
or is it what is out of the ordinary for the region in question?* I
think the latter choice is more appropriate.




On 4/30/2015 7:28 AM, Don Johnstone
wrote:



At 13:13 30 April 2015, Bob Pasker wrote:



ok, go back and read my origina message. the tow pilot that towed me said
h=
e ignored my signals because glider pilots don't know how to fly on tow,
no=
t because he was taking me to an area of lift, which I admit would have
bee=
n a great answer if he had (not you) had made it.


OK let us look at this sensibly. For a glider pilot on tow to move his
glider in an attempt to steer the tug is just plain crazy, only a complete
idiot would attempt it. In over 50 years of gliding this is the first time
I have ever heard anyone suggest the procedure.
The duty of a glider pilot is to remain, as far as possible, in the correct
position behind the tug. The glider goes where the tug takes him and if you
have no radio contact there is NO safe way of telling him where you want to
go. An out of position glider is putting the combination at risk. While it
is acceptable to demonstrate out of position, for training purposes, it is
essential that the tug pilot is briefed, and agrees before hand.
If you got any more crazy ideas please keep them to yourself. Someone with
limited knowledge might just read your crazy idea and try it out.






--

Dan Marotta

I question whether it is wise to intentionally inhibit the towpilot's ability to turn in one direction by pulling on it's tail. What will the towpilot do if you are pulling the tail left and he needs to turn left for traffic? Is it worth losing a rope? or having the rope wrap around your wing when the towpilot is forced to release? or have the towpilot or you run get in a mid-air?

There are many things that have been changed in gliding manuals over the years. You're allowed to make changes as you gain experience.