A Tale of Two Takeoffs

When you're in a ASW-20C @9lbs on tow and you feel like you are always about to stall on tow, that is too Frikkin slow. Yes, been there done that, feigned an issue so I didn't end up behind that tug later in the contest when wet.

Speed in thermal? Sorta depends on if smooth or rough, I don't know, what feels good? As AOA goes up, some airspeeds lose accuracy. If the plane feels happy, then I'm happy.
I'm too busy watching for other traffic and rely on sound and feel, not looking at an instrument that is a second or two behind actual.

Yeah I'm asking for numbers. I own and fly a ballasted 20. And I've towed my share of contests at Perry and New Castle. I'm asking someone to look in their manual and give me their numbers. I know what the slowest I've towed even a club glider is. I know my 45 degree bank thermal speed full of water.. I still thermal slower than my slowest tow...and towing is a lower bank angle so more margin than thermalling with gliders in 3 quadrants. So the "about to stall" thing on tow is why I ask for numbers. "Feel" is not something I can reference as a tow pilot. If it's for your own comfort, I'd suggest asking for a specific speed. Not "faster." Personally in my 20, flaps 4 and ballasted I feel like I'm standing on my pedals. I usually back off the flap to 3 or 3A once up and settled. Maybe we just tow faster around these parts...

Jordan

So, you're assuming everyone has a calibrated ASI that reads just like everyone else's?
"What's it sound like, what's it feel like"?

I can't answer your question, I'm watching for traffic and the local gaggle when on tow.
I listen and feel for what is correct. When I'm afraid to do anything beyond minor on controls because it may stall, I'm not happy.
Period.
If you need hard numbers, maybe you need more training?

Posted by an ex CFIG for 8 years.

Congrats on your 8 years of CFI work. I hope that wasn't meant to start a measuring contest, because it won't end well.

And everyone can always use a little more training. Anyone who thinks they don't need practice is the most dangerous one on the field.

Thanks, Chip for a great post.
We all find ourselves exceeding personal rules at times, and sweep them under the rug as "I got away with it."
Jim