"I encourage our pilots to do the same to save a bit of time at launch, but ask them to tell the line person that the release check has been done. FWIW UH"

Hank, I also usually tow out behind a golf cart, and that hookup/release serves as my release check. On my own ship, with a nose tost, I am comfortable that the hookup process (with rattle check) is sufficient. I will defer to more experienced pilots when it comes to checking CG/back-release hooks. I also tell the line that the check has already been done.

Oddly, my two release failures in over 2000 hrs have both been Schweizers: A PTT in a 2-32 when the release arm didn't seat all the way due to some mud on it and resulted in a surprise PTT at barely 200' - I was in the RCP giving a ride and didn't check the altimeter - but the result was a rapid 180 and return to the launch point for a second (successful) flight; the other was a jammed release when a tost ring was used on a Schweizer hook (2-33) - a practice since discontinued, fortunately - and the little ring somehow jammed the release during the tow. Solved by getting some slack in the line, but the first time I tried to release the knob didn't move at all! On both those occasions a release check was performed and passed. So perhaps my point of view is a bit jaundiced ;^)

Cheers,

Kirk
66