On Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 7:27:25 PM UTC-8, Steve Koerner wrote:
As a US pilot, I've flown low tow a few times but mostly just high tow as that is the convention here. I'm wondering what all of the trade-offs are by the two methods? Might it be time to reconsider this?

As pointed out on another thread, low tow would seem to be safer against the problem of glider kiting up to overpower the tugs up elevator. I'm wondering if it's ever possible for a low tow glider to go too low and overpower the tugs down elevator?

Also, how does low tow compare in the other common dangerous towing situation wherein the tug flys too slow for a highly ballasted glider? My own experience with a seriously too slow tug is that I end up falling to low tow whether I like it or not.

Has anyone done a lot of tows both ways and have reasons as to which way is better?

Steve.

First reading this post brought back memories of the R11 Truckee contest in 2015.
If I remember correctly, you struggled tremendously to take off each day.
It is understood that R11 was hosted at an advanced site, though even in a fully loaded racing glider, it does not require superhuman skills to get off the ground and tow safely.
Note also that ground looping half way down the runway is not the fault of the wing runner...
Further reports from towpilots indicated that they could rarely see you in their rearview mirrors. In fact, there were several occasions where you were almost released by the towplane.

My best advice is to consider practicing normal takeoff and tow, where you keep the towplane's wheels on the horizon and the rope tight with basic techniques.
Intentional high tow and low tow in heavy, high performance gliders on rough days make things scary for the towpilot and their friends and family.
It is important to be able to recover from unintentional position upset, but there's no reason to intentionally upset your position.
Please, do us all a favor and stay in the standard tow position.

P.S. I hope to never have to see your gear doors up close again...