PiK20b

In article ,
phil collin wrote:

Ok,
Glen, would you agree with Jack on the aero tow speed? seems a bit on
the high side that's all. We fly IS30's, IS28's, Blaniks, Darts, Pirats,
Skylarks, libelles etc and we generally tow them all at 60 Knots without
any issue, does the PiK fly better with a quicker tow?
also, the reading I've done suggests best L/D at 63 Knots, does that
sound right?

Thanks to you and Jack


I fly a 301 Libelle, towing on the CG hook. It's the CG hook that is the
issue with slow tows. Gliders generally have small elevators, some
smaller or less effective than others. Towing on the CG hook loads up
the tailplane more than towing with a nose hook, so, at low tow speeds,
one can run out of elevator authority. This is especially dangerous in
gusty conditions where there may be momentary hard yanks on the tow line
adding to the tendency to pitch up. God help you if you have an aft CG
in that situation. I have had a tow or two where the speed got down
below 50 knots. That was very uncomfortable and I was reaching for the
tow release in each case while yelling at the tuggy for more speed.