On Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 1:30:16 PM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
so how do we get a new tow pilot

as I remember, just 3 flights, right?
61.69

Boggs

Ahhh - dear Boggs. It's that memory thing again. Since we've been "doing it so long", the initial procedure gets muddled with the recent experience requirement.
And asking this group for their opinion is as likely to get you mud in your eye as any clarification. ;-)

I'm guessing you are asking about an INITIAL qual/endorsement... since you
inquire as to how to get "a new tow pilot".

That new tuggie needs TWO signatures... to be a legal slinger-upper.
The first endorsement is training and supervision from a currently qualified tugger after having made three real or simulated tows.
The trainer does not need a CFI-A, and can use any two-hole air machine to 'simulate' towing. Record your work in the checkout, refer to the right FAR number, then sign and use your airmen's certificate number.


The second endorsement is for ground and flight training in a glider on the principles, signals and emergency procedures for safe towing. That requires at least one glider dual flight and a CFI-G signature in the prospective tuggie's logbook. Don't let the glider CFI forget to mention the Ground training given in the endorsement.

That keeps the FAA happy. Your insurance carrier may be more specific or utterly clueless about what makes a safe, aware tuggie. I prefer being towed by a pilot who is glider qualified and current, but have had excellent service from some who don't soar.

I include some discussion time with prospective or fresh new tow pilots about the legal ramifications of rope releases, subrogation by carriers, the threat to towpilots by distracted glider pilots, appropriate times to defend themselves from upset (or stalled elevators), pitch trim on departure roll, when to just go tie-down, fuel records and burn times, complacency.

For the rest of you lurkers who will never tow a glider up, thank your towpilot at the end of the day, or the beginning. Without them we would all be looking for longer airports, unused V-8 hulks and a Sxxx-hot welder.

I am amazed we didn't see Burt post. It's almost his favorite topic. He must be out dual in a glider today . . . .
Chuckling,
Cindy B