A minimum of two people is required. One person must always be at the wing tip that is into the wind and the other at the nose or tail doing the pulling. In high winds (>15 knots), one person should be at each wingtip and in extreme cases, a pilot should be on board and another person should be at the tail. Please do not set the example of moving the aircraft with two people pulling on the struts and no one at the wing tip. It would be better to progress a little slower but safer using the recommended method. Whenever turning the aircraft on the ground it is also necessary to have the tail wheel lifted so as not to over stress the aft portion of the fuselage. The preferred method of moving a glider is to move it forward with its tail wheel or skid on the ground. Particular care must be taken when it is necessary to move a glider backwards. There should always be someone at the tail to make sure that obstructions are cleared properly. As well many gliders have special considerations if the tail is to be lifted. Consult the aircraft’s operating manual of each model of aircraft for the best place to push, pull, or lift. If it is necessary to use tow vehicles to move gliders, again caution must be exercised. In light winds one person should be walking the wing at the tip and one person should be at the nose, keeping tension on the towrope. Under stronger conditions another person should be on the other wing tip as well. The speed used should be never faster than an easy walking pace and may be slower under high wind conditions. The rope should be at least three-quarters of a wingspan long so, in the event of severe weathercocking, the glider would still be clear of the tow vehicle. If you tow a glider downhill, have a person in front as well to prevent it from rolling into the car when it stops. A good lookout is necessary when crossing any runways, and movement down and along side active runways should be as far as possible from the landing side. Tow vehicles must be kept at least 100 feet away from the active runway when not in use and any towing must only be done with the consent of the person managing the flight line. Owners of tow vehicles should leave their keys with the line manager so that the vehicle may be moved if they are absent.
In addition to the advice given for gliders, tow aircraft require some additional care when moved. A knowledgeable person should always check that the master switches and magnetos are turned off. As well NEVER PUSH OR PULL ON THE PROPELLER! It’s not likely that you will damage the aircraft doing this, but no one should be near the propeller at any time. Even if you have checked that the switches are off there is always the possibility that the tug may have a live magneto. If the towplane seems hard to move it may be because the parking brakes are on. Have someone familiar with their operation disengage them. When securing the tug, leave the plane angled into wind. If the winds are strong, use the control lock, or tie the FRONT control stick with the seat belt to prevent the ailerons and elevator from moving. Under no circumstances should the engines be run on the gravel, as this will suck stones into the propeller blade or back onto other persons or aircraft. Engines should be run at less than 1500 rpm for taxiing, as this will usually limit the amount of loose material that will be picked up in the prop wash. Never orient an airplane in such a way as to direct the prop wash towards other aircraft or into a open hangar.