Auto Tow Conversion Course Lecture 1 Revised 2014

Course Standards Ground School Air Standard Two Lectures Closed Book Exam Air Standard A Minimum of Six Dual Flights A Minimum of Three Solo Flights

If everything is complete, let’s get started! Getting Started Copies of your personal documents must be on file with the local Site Commander. (Pilot License, Medical Certificate, Participation Form, Personal Emergency Notification Form) You must have read and signed the Flying Orders, and PIFs. You must have successfully completed the Glider Open and Closed Book Exams. If everything is complete, let’s get started!

Tow Ropes Material Material The auto tow rope consists of a 3/16” Spectra rope with a max. tensile strength of 2400 lbs. The length of the auto tow rope depends on the length of the runway and the desired launch height. Auto tow launch heights can be made to altitudes as high as 1500’ if wind conditions & runway/rope lengths are suitable. The 18” long 8 mm “weak link” is a polypropylene rope attached to the “glider end” of the tow rope and has a certified breaking strength of not greater than twice the maximum certified operating weight of the glider

3/16” Spectra Rope Used With An 8mm Polypropylene Weak Link Tow Ropes 3/16 Spectra 3/16 Spectra 3/16” Spectra Rope Used With An 8mm Polypropylene Weak Link

Minimum Auto Tow Personnel LCO Auto Tow Driver Auto Tow Observer Wing Person Tail Person Hook-up Person Signaler

Auto Tow Launch Signals 1. Ready For Hook-up 2. Open 3. Close 4. Secure on Auto Launch 5. All Clear In Front This sequence shall not start until the glider crew is strapped in, checks are complete, canopy is closed, and the PIC calls for hook-up The Hook-Up 6. All Clear Above and Behind 7. LCO Authorization 8. Wings Level 9. Take Up Slack 10. All Out The Launch Stop, Stop, Stop

Auto Launch Observer & Signals While acting as auto tow observer in the launch vehicle, you will observe both the launch signaler and the glider. During the launch, relay signals from the signaler and pilot to the driver, and report the progress of the glider to the driver, as follows: 1. Wings Level 2. Take up Slack 3. All Out 4. Glider Airborne 5. Rope Airborne 6. Glider in Full Climb 7. Glider on Top 8. Glider Released After the launch, you will also assist with the rope retrieval and be responsible for releasing the rope from the launch vehicle. It is very important that you use a loud and clear voice to relay signals to the auto tow driver.

Auto Launch Technique “Initial” (From the “All Out” up to 200’ AGL) Gentle climb (150-200 climb for the first 50’) Forward stick pressure is required to maintain attitude (See Next Slide For Detailed Explanation)

Auto Launch Technique Forward pressure is required because of the location of the auto tow hook & the C of G position of the glider.  Rapid acceleration will cause the nose to go up and the tendency will be for the climb angle to increase if it is left unchecked.

Auto Launch Technique At 200’ AGL Full Climb Continue increasing gradual back stick pressure Full Climb Full back stick may not be required to reach altitude Maximum climb angle is achieved and maintained with constant back stick pressure (this may or may not be full aft stick)  Back stick pressure can be varied throughout the launch to control the airspeed.  i.e. if airspeed is continuing to increase and an over speed is anticipated reduce back stick pressure slightly.

Release Procedure At the Top of the Launch Sequence Lower Nose When you notice the nose of the glider being pulled toward the horizon; and When you feel a reduction in power from the auto launch vehicle: Lower Nose Pull the Release Twice Check Rope Drop Adjust Trim For Proper Gliding Speed In the event of a glider release failure, over-fly the auto launch tow vehicle to try to initiate a “back release.”

Auto Launch Profile Rope breaks below the safety altitude (200’ AGL) present the risk of a stall and uncontrolled landing if the glider is in a full climb attitude

Safe Airspeed Range During Launch Critical Airspeeds Safe Airspeed Range During Launch 50 to 65 MPH Release to avoid a stall when launch airspeed goes to less than 50 MPH Auto Launch Never Exceed Speed 69 MPH Release to avoid stressing a/c when launch airspeed goes higher than 69 MPH

Too Fast on Auto Tow When Speed Approaches 65 MPH Lower nose, slightly Yaw side to side Reapply back stick pressure If Speed Does Not Decrease Lower nose GPAS (Glide Attitude, Pull the Release Twice, Assess Situation, Select Landing Area) Be On Final for A Safe Landing Area by 300’ AGL

Too Slow On Auto Tow At Speeds Less Than 50 MPH Lower nose GPAS (Glide Attitude, Pull the Release Twice, Assess Situation, Select Landing Area) Be On Final for A Safe Landing Area by 300’ AGL An unexpected loss of power from the auto tow launch vehicle could indicate mechanical difficulties with the vehicle. Be prepared to carry out an early release.

Auto Launch Technique Crosswind Technique Glider must crab into wind during launch to ensure the rope drops on the runway The amount of crab depends upon wind speed and direction The yaw string should be centered and the glider flown in coordinated flight while crabbing during the launch

Porpoise If the glider starts to porpoise during an auto tow launch, relax the back stick pressure to reduce the angle of attack on the tail plane If porpoising continues and is excessive then reduce your climbing angle slowly until porpoising stops.

Auto Tow Conversion Course The End Lecture 1 Auto Tow Conversion Course