On Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 2:37:37 PM UTC-4, jackson...com wrote:
My glider club is looking into the possibility of a new or upgraded tow plane. We currently have a 160hp supercub, but we have also looked into a rare-as-hens-teeth piper pawnee. As i poke around barnstormers and trade a plane, i have seen ads for a 190hp vans RV-6, a maule 235, a stinson 200+ hp, motorgliders, cessna 188, etc.

Anyone out there have some ideas for a tow plane that might be very functional but also (perhaps) not well known? Ive seen stories on stinson's maule's and wilga's being used in the past, for example, but it would be good to hear of some currently used "unusual" towplanes.

thanks for any feedback!
I've towed with Citabria, Scout, Maule, Luscombe with 150hp, C-150-150, C-182, Pawnee (235 and 265), and an L-19. Citabria was OK, but under powered. Scout was good. Maule visibility is scary when towing. Luscombe wanted to swap ends when landing. C-150-150 was Ok but still a little weak. C-182 had overheating issues. Pawnees are easy to land, 235 has fixed pitch so less maintenance and operating expense than the 265, wing fuel reduces pilot fatigue compared to center tank on bumpy days. L-19 is an absolute pleasure to fly and tows well, but it's expensive to operate and becoming difficult to get parts. No perfect tow ship, all have pros and cons.