Microlight towing

[Fairy Flycatcher]

Hmm Airbornex2001, landing with towrope. Don't think that is a good idea. What if you snag a bush or something - there goes your gearbox, engine, and back of trike.

You will also see the sailplane tug operators, that have more experience than us, also dropping the line before landing.

The tow-line has at least one weak-link point. Generally the breaking strain on the tug end is about 150kg. This is light enough to not cause any damage if there is a snag.

I almost always land with the tow-rope attached. The only time it gave any hassles, was when my Australian cattle dog, Sheilla, decided that the tow-line was something which needed to be chased, as I came in for landing. She got caught in the line and went flopping along the ground attached to the tow-rope. David was in the hang glider about 1500' up, and thought I had snagged a black plastic bag. It screwed a bit with my pitch on landing, but other than being very, very funny, no damage (even to the dog - although at one point I for an instant thought going around when I battled with the pitch - thank goodness I didn't!!!)

[airbornex2001]

We've also hooked a coupled of things with the tow rope - like a gazebo tent when towing for a film shoot in Cape Town and the hangglider dolly also chased us at high speed down the runway after being hooked on landing .If it's a solid item the weeklink breaks immediately as it should.

Mark

[skybound®]

With a weak link of 150kg, I am sure one can do some damage if snaged. Imagine snagging the next pilot to be tugged. You could cause some damage before the weak link gives in. That could have an effect on 3rd party claims.

I would suggest that we learn from our bigger brethren (Sailplanes) and drop the rope before landing.

Matter of interest is there a MOP for towing?

[airbornex2001]

Hi Skybound

I have only done conventional gliding at Magalies Gliding Club which I think is the biggest SA club - they don't drop the line. It's the duty officers job to ensure noone is snagged on landing. I have been to Wallaby Ranch the biggest aerotow operators in the world. This is where I was taught aerotowing and the procedures. It was from this and the Australian manual that our manual was derived. Hanggliding competitions need to have all the compeditors airborne in as short a time as possible. If the tug was to drop the line each time no competitions would happen. Most major hanggliding competions are now aerotow meets. At Wallaby with over 100 compeditors the whole field can be launched safely within about 90 minutes using 5 tugs. Thanks for your concern and comments.

Mark

[skybound®]

I stand corrected - seems like it is only our local sailplane club, that drops the rope before landing.

Most seem to feel that it is not an issue to leave attached.

[skybound®]

Carefull Demon, we might just rope you in too

[joel]

Hi Guy's

Saw your posting and questions about towing with a trike.

Here is some good towing over Everest and recently over Aconcagua.

http://www.flymicro.com/everest/

Cu

Joel

Air Creation 582S and iXess.

[ACE]

Joel,

nice to hear from you,

thanks for that great link, I'll add this site to my growing list of favourites.

Regards.