Tow Signals

Ramy wrote:
There had been yet another fatality recently as a result of
misinterpreting the open spoilers signal. True we all passed the
written test and know that wiggeling the rudder means check spoilers
and rocking the wings means release, yet so many students and
experienced pilots alike continiue to confuse this signal and releasing
the tow rope instead, often resulting in accidents.

No, we did not all pass a written test that had wiggling the rudder
meaning "check spoilers". This signal is a fairly recent innovation,
and there were several US sites that taught until recent years that
wiggling the rudder was a signal for the recommended release point,
hence some of the confusion.

1 - If radio is available (and it always should) - use it instead of
the rudder signal!

There are plenty of places where some tow planes lack functioning
radios, including at least one that you visit.

2 - If this doesn't doesn't work, the signal should be avoided until
the glider is at least 200
feet, unless of course, the tow plane is in immediate danger.

I'd go a bit farther and say that if the tow plane is climbing and not
in danger, it would be preferable to make the signal over the airport at
above pattern altitude.

3 - If the glider pilot sees the tow plane signaling something (wigling
the rudder or rocking the wings)
the FIRST look at the spoilers, then release the tow rope if necessary.
In this case, the pilot will do the correct action regardless of the
signal. I think this is what needs to be taught.

No, rocking the wings means release right *now*, not after you look
around and consider what is wrong. If you hesitate, in many cases
you'll end up with the rope heading your way.

I am not an instructor myself, so this is just my humble opinion...

Likewise.

Marc