The aim of the takeoff exercise is to learn how to safely transition the aircraft from its attitude at rest to the proper aerotow attitude and speed. This is a necessary skill to transition to flying the aerotow. This is the critical stage of the tow operation and the point at which the tow pilot is in the most danger. It is very important that you get the glider rolling properly on its main wheel as soon as possible and then maintain the correct position both horizontally and vertically behind the tow plane. In general you should try to stay directly behind the tow plane and closely follow it up at the same level. This skill is best promoted by showing the student what it means to be balanced on the main wheel and how to get the glider in this attitude as soon as is possible. As a starting point, for most gliders the pilot should start with the controls centralized and then adjust the attitude as the ground roll begins.The outline for this exercise is:
- Instructor checks student’s performance of pre-takeoff checks.
- Instructor coaches student getting the aircraft balanced on the main wheel.
- Instructor coaches student positioning behind the towplane. Takes corrective action at the least sign of problems initially.
- Student not required to do 300 foot call out on initial attempts at the takeoff.
- Student allowed to continue with the aerotow if good position maintained. Otherwise the instructor should take over for a period allowing the students to regain their composure before attempting the aerotow. A good point to resume the aerotow exercise is above 1000 feet.
Students should be introduced to the decision-making processes during takeoff at this time. Often they are attempting takeoffs and then following through with the instructor for a portion of the aerotow, and then later making the first attempts at aerotow themselves. While the instructor is doing the flying they should show the student the limits to the towing position, and discuss the appropriate actions to be taken. The student should know that if they lose sight of the tow plane at any time they should release, and if they get out of alignment with the tug by more than a few yards during the ground roll, even with a nose hook equipped glider, they should also release.
At the beginning of the intermediate level the emphasis should be on the concept of the decision height and control of the aircraft rather than the specific ‘where to go’ actions to a rope break. These will be introduced a bit later. The student on each flight should call out the decision height at this stage. The suggested decision height is 300 feet, which should leave a safe margin for almost any glider. Below this height we generally do not attempt any 180 degree turns as there is an increased risk of encountering wind shear and other dangers that may affect the controllability of the aircraft. If you have released below this height for any reason, your best course of action usually is to land somewhere ahead of you. Remember in these cases to obtain sufficient flying speed first by holding the glider in the normal gliding attitude, and then use a minimum of manoeuvres to avoid obstructions and land the aircraft. Above 300 feet you have the option of 180 degree turns as well, and you may elect to make a downwind landing as appropriate.