Tow Pilot Currency

At 20:39 07 April 2009, 150flivver wrote:
Is it true a PPL tow pilot needs to fly and log an endorsement with a
current and qualified tow pilot every 12 months (three flights) to be
current? I've read 61.69 and that's what it seems to say.


Yes, almost. 61.69(a)(6) deals with towpilot currency. The towpilot has
two choices to be current:

(i) Made at least three actual or simulated tows of a glider or unpowered
ultralight vehicle while accompanied by a qualified pilot who meets the
requirements of this section; or

(ii) Made at least three flights as pilot in command of a glider or
unpowered ultralight vehicle towed by an aircraft.

Note that no endorsement is required. If the towpilot is not able to fly
a glider as PIC then they must ride with another current towpilot. this
applies whether the towpilot has a Private, Commercial, or ATP
Certificate.


-Tony Condon
Cherokee II N373Y