Auto-Towing - why is this not more popular?

Chapter 3 of the classic American Soaring Handbook has about 23 pages on Auto Tow with several illustrations including a homebuilt car tow release and a technical discussion of the process. 3,500' of runway is the minimum runway length suggested so the sailplane can (barely) make a 360 degree circle to land. Straight-line auto tow and auto tow with pulley are discussed in detail.

As simple as it appears, auto tow should be carefully researched. Finding a sailplane pilot who has supervised auto tow is essential. A ground-launch endorsement from an authorized CFI per FAR 61.31(j) is required for the sailplane pilot unless "grandfathered" however proficiency is essential for both the pilot and the driver. An observer in the auto is important for safety. Density altitude will affect the power of the auto motor and the speed required for the sailplane to launch.

One possible issue with auto tow on airports with airplane traffic is that the cable cannot be reeled in unless a winch system is mounted on the back of a pick-up truck. Some of the hang glider folks have developed this system.

Read the article in the May-June 1955 SOARING magazine, "The Elimination of Guess-Work in Auto Towing" by Otto Zauner and Art Heavener.

The American Soaring Handbook was a binder of 10 chapters on essential aspects that a SSA club needed to know about maintenance, auto, winch and aerotow launching, instruments and much more. Long out of print this handy 6"x9" blue binder might be found on dusty bookshelves in gliderport clubhouses around the USA. Often listed on E-bay and internet book searches such as Albris, this valuable collection of knowledge written by some of the legends of soaring is essential reading. About $25 if all of the 10 chapters are included in the binder.

For an entertaining (but not instructional) video of auto tow watch the "Reunion" episode of the '50's Sci-Fi TV show, "One Step Beyond".