Does anyone use a tug tow hook that releases automatically whenglider kites?

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 10:25:23 AM UTC-6, Iain Baker wrote:
For those who consider using a nose hook largely solves the

problem of kiting, I suggest watching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MkCnVYa3VY


Excellent video.

But interestingly, not a case of kiting - more like the recent US case of upset by flying too high (distracted by open canopy). In the video (made by the pilot himself - bravo!) he remarks that the tow pilot realized something was wrong and released BEFORE the glider did. He then released to get rid of the tow rope trailing from his nose hook and flew his pattern. Pretty cool for a second solo...

I'll bet a new JS-1 that the Rallye towplane had a Tost hook!

In a scenario of the glider flying high due to inattention, with a nose hook, the climb should be slow enough for the tuggie to recognize and release (IF HE CAN - see Schweizer discussion!) because the glider pilot hopefully isn't just yanking back on the stick.

HOWEVER, if this same scenario had happened with a CG hook, it may have turned into a kiting incident, and could easily have been fatal for the tuggie..

Thanks for pointing out this video - I'm definitely showing it at our club's spring safety meeting!

Cheers,

Kirk