Are Weak Links really Necessary for Aero Tow?

Bill, thank you for the addendum - You are right in pointing out that
within the FAA 80%-200% limitation there may be a more restrictive
specification in a glider's POH. That's why, in many cases, private
glider owners carry their own weaklink to be sure the rope doesn't
exceed the manufacturer's requirement.

I also agree that a PT3 caused by a towline failure has a history of
bad endings.... better to be toward the higher side within the limits.

Bob

RL wrote:
Bill, thank you for the addendum - You are right in pointing out that
within the FAA 80%-200% limitation there may be a more restrictive
specification in a glider's POH. That's why, in many cases, private
glider owners carry their own weaklink to be sure the rope doesn't
exceed the manufacturer's requirement.

I also agree that a PT3 caused by a towline failure has a history of
bad endings.... better to be toward the higher side within the limits.

Bob

Unfortunately, here's a recent PT3.

http://tinyurl.com/gsp6s

Frank

"RL" wrote in message
oups.com...

Bill, thank you for the addendum - You are right in pointing out that
within the FAA 80%-200% limitation there may be a more restrictive
specification in a glider's POH. That's why, in many cases, private
glider owners carry their own weaklink to be sure the rope doesn't
exceed the manufacturer's requirement.

I also agree that a PT3 caused by a towline failure has a history of
bad endings.... better to be toward the higher side within the limits.

Bob


Bob, as a tow operator, maybe you can answer this.

In consideration of the rule that the tug end weak link must be 25% stronger
than the glider end weak link and that the glider being towed may be
anything from a Sparrowhawk to a fully ballasted ASH 25, how do you insure
that the rope and/or tug end weak link is within the rules?

A partial answer to my own question is that towing at a FAI class contest
the glider weights may be within a narrow range but what about sports class
or just a commercial tow operation?

Bill Daniels

"RL" wrote in message
oups.com...

Bill, thank you for the addendum - You are right in pointing out that
within the FAA 80%-200% limitation there may be a more restrictive
specification in a glider's POH. That's why, in many cases, private
glider owners carry their own weaklink to be sure the rope doesn't
exceed the manufacturer's requirement.

I also agree that a PT3 caused by a towline failure has a history of
bad endings.... better to be toward the higher side within the limits.

Bob

Uh, "PT3" ?

I know what a PT6 is.

Al G

Premature Termination of The Tow.

Tom Knauff has many examples of causes and preventive measures he
http://www.eglider.org/newsarticles/...mergencies.htm

Some
"Al" wrote in message
...



I know what a PT6 is.

Al G

"Jim Vincent" wrote in message
...
Premature Termination of The Tow.

Tom Knauff has many examples of causes and preventive measures he
http://www.eglider.org/newsarticles/...mergencies.htm

Some
"Al" wrote in message
...



I know what a PT6 is.

Al G


Thanks.

Al G