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Old November 16th 07, 03:47 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Burt Compton - Marfa
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Posts: 220
Default Identifying the other guy


Over the radio:
"Towplane, speed up!"


Response:
"Which Towplane?"


Glider Guider:
"The Pawnee!"


Response:
"Which Pawnee?"


Funny, looking back at it. I'm laughing as well, being an occasional
towpilot.
But it brings to mind that in the USA, we have a signal to ask the
towpilot to increase speed. NO RADIO REQUIRED. A 10 minute DVD on
the Standard SSA Signals is offered for FREE by request from the
Soaring Safety Foundation at www.soaringsafety.org (or get one at the
SSF booth February 14-16, 2008 SSA Convention in Albuquerque.) A
review of the signals is also on the SSF website, along with a
wingrunner and towpilot course. Lots of good stuff on the SSF
website, but safety is a hard sell, and Imust agree, not as
entertaining as looking at the OLC or browsing the sailplane
classified ads.

But the fact is that US glider pilots must know all 18 SSA signals
before solo and on glider rating checkrides. SInce those events are,
for many of us, a distant memory, it's a good idea to review all
signals soon, or insist upon it during your next Flight Review (oops,
unless that "BFR" is technically satisfied in an airplane, helicopter,
balloon, or as part of an airline job.) Glider specific procedures
can be reviewed on your Flight Review in a glider or on your "First
Flight" of the new year with a CFIG, as promoted, again, by your
Soaring Safety Foundation. All towpilots and wingrunners must review
the signals as well.

By the way, if you disagree with the effectiveness of the current
signal to speed up (Hint: "Rock & Roll"), volunteer to chair a
committee to change it.

Refer to the FAA regulation CFR 91.309 (a)(5) that basically tells us
that all glider pilots and towpilots must agree on certain tow
procedures before aerotow launch. This includes discussing tow
speed. A hassle at a contest indeed, but a radio call before launch
requesting a tow speed may eliminate the assumption on the part of the
glider pilot that towpilots can read minds. A non-radio option is to
have all towpilots tow at a relatively fast speed, then the glider
pilot could use the "slow down" signal, (yaw or "fishtail"), which
only works if the towpilot knows the signal and is checking the
mirror. Make the radio call, but simultaneously perform the proper
signal.

It's a team effort, this aerotow bit. Learn, review, and practice
the signals.
This suggestion includes glider pilots, wingrunners and towpilots.
Get the free DVD from the Soaring Safety Foundation, or review the
signals at www.soaringsafety.org

Thought for the next thread: Towpilot gives the fast rudder waggle
signal just after takeoff and a majority of glider pilots - - -
release. Wrong. Good luck landing your 10 to 1 brick glider. Know
the signals!

Burt
Marfa, west Texas
USA