Are Weak Links really Necessary for Aero Tow?

Doug Haluza wrote:
Considering that the
breaking strength of a 5/8" rope is greater than the weight of the
towplane, it's not hard to imagine that it is certainly strong enough
to damage the tail.

Are you telling us that the tail can only handle its own weight?You are
using apples and oranges here because you used the FLIGHT loads of a
sailplane and the actual weight of the tow plane.In other words, if a
towplane can sustain 4.4Gs (In the utility category) shouldnt the tail
of said towplane ALSO sustain 4.4Gs.


After an upset, the towplane will enter an unrecoverable dive, and if
the rope does not break, the speeds will quickly increase beyond
maneuvering speed.

Where do you come up with this?I have NEVER flown an airplane that
could not be pulled out of a dive.Another thing to consider is that the
tow pilot would just release by this point.The tost hook will release
at vitually any angle, and even if the plane had a Schweitzer hook, by
forcing the tail up you will change the angle on the rope and the pilot
could then release it.

They are stress cracks, probably from a combination of vibration,
landing, and towing loads. They are not doing tail slides on the way
down.

Are you a metalurgist?When you say "Probably" it kinda implies that you
are guessing.If your Cub has Jack screw trim, take a look at what the
tail is doing on the take off roll.Also, I never mentioned a tail
slide.There has been a tow pilot or two who thinks acro wont hurt a
plane as long as you are carefull.How long have you been hanging out at
gliderports?

The rope and the hooks on both end work as a complete system. All of
the parts must work together. And they will work the same in any
country--the laws of Physics know no political boundaries.

Boy you are a sharp one Doug!I would have never guessed (G).What I
actually meant was that the laws in this pilots country could be more
conservitive than the US.Take a look at the rules in germany (Where
most of our gliders come from).
Happy Landings
KMU