Auto-Towing - why is this not more popular?

Hi Sean,

I attended a Mifflin regional contest years ago. There was a demonstration of an auto launch as an entertainment/instructional affair. One run only because the stress on the hot rodded auto blew the engine. Entertaining but maybe not for the owner of the auto. I think that power generated has to first be transmitted to the wheels, then additional stress on the auto frame. The added load on a changing vector as it transitions from horizontal to vertical has something to do with stress to the auto chassis/engine/traction combination. I've heard from Paul Nicholls that he commanded the auto on one occasion with Dave Nelson and he felt the rear of the auto lifting up loosing traction.

Me thinks that used on a regular basis, the maintenance cost of auto towing would exceed that of a winch.

I do agree that a cost effective alternative to aerotowing such as winching is desirable. This year, flying in the Alps of France, I have changed my base of operation to a winch only airfield. BTW, I have signed up for KS's winch clinic asa refresher.

I learned to fly gliders at a winch only field in a club run mostly by Germans who migrated to Detroit to work in the tool and die shops after the war.. Very economical for a poor student. Six tows, with instruction, and glider rental, was less than twenty dollars. But as in the traditional "old school" European glider clubs, I was made the winch driver and field boy, arriving at 6:00am, setting up the gliders and winch, and driving the winch all day long. I left the field not infrequently at 10:00pm. But I received free instruction from Eb Geyer, a fantastic instructor who taught me many things expecting great discipline. I really mean great discipline. His disciplined instruction saved my butt on several occasions. I owe him a great debt.

What is the cost of a tow plane and the annual maintenance and cost of employing a tow pilot with insurance? You could buy yourself a grand launching machine and have pennies to spare.