On Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 5:48:42 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 9:57:57 PM UTC-5, Giaco wrote:
I have started tinkering around with the idea of developing a Tow-tracking for clubs to use that would not interfere with operations yet still be able to provide an upgrade to having a dedicated logger try and confirm release altitudes.

My current thought is to have a cell phone app that talks to bluetooth sensors mounted in the towplanes. The Wing runner/logger would enter in the pilot/glider info, then transmit the data to the tow. The towplane unit would take that log file and record the tow height (assuming max altitude) and save it to the file, which would then be transmitted back to the logger when the tow lands, and the next pilot log is entered. The logger should be able to upload all the files at the end of the day, with accurate tow heights without asking the tow pilots to record it.

Thoughts? Potential Problems? Interested in helping? The objective of this would that it would be a free app for the community at large with the hardware designs published as well.

I understand there will be the standard cry of "we have always used a pen and paper and it worked just fine," but that isn't the intent of the question being posed..

In our operation the line crew has the responsibility for safe and efficient launching. Being distracted by a phone function or such would lead, in my view to a potentially much less safe operation. Logging is another function.
During rush hour we are doing between 12 and 14 launches and hour, recovering those tugs, and recovering about 1/2 the gliders. with the line crew handling this there is not time for other stuff.
In our operation it is up to the glider pilot to report tow altitude by radio, or provide to the log keeper after the flight. Failure to provide tow altitude generates a charge for a 5000 foot tow. It rarely happens.
Old school operator
UH

Hank, I'm not sure this would fundamentally challenge how you are operating if you already have a dedicated person logging... this would just make their life easier and cut down on radio chatter, as they could log the pilots as they are preparing for takeoff...unless I'm misunderstanding the responsibilities of your logger.

I think the benefit to this logging is probably greater for larger clubs and those with fast and efficient lines, as opposed to clubs with tow planes that sit on the ground idling for minutes at a time between tows.

It should be an interesting project, i'll report back after seeing if it ends up being a worthwhile endeavor for our club.