Soaring Safety Foundation Launch Failures . Soaring Safety Foundation Definition: Any time the glider and towplane are separated prior to the planned release altitude/point. 1

Accident Areas INTRODUCTION: Takeoff accidents, accounted for 23% of the FY08 accidents. There were a total of seven (7) accidents. Five (5) gliders were being aerotowed and two (2) were motorgliders. Contrary to what you might believe, a study of the accidents indicates that not every PT3 event comes as a ‘surprise’ to the glider pilot. In some cases, the pilot choose to terminate the tow because of the flight conditions while at other times equipment failure or accidental activation of the release leaves the glider without a tow plane. Pilots can mentally prepare for this type of an emergency and develop a specific set of action plans to deal with several contingencies. These are called Condition-action responses. The task is then to execute the proper plan/respnse at the proper time. Flight instructors should emphasize launch emergencies during flight reviews, club check rides and flight training 2

Essential Launch Personnel Aerotow Glider Pilot Towplane Pilot Auto/Winch Wing Runner Auto/Winch Operator Self-launch

Casual Factors loss of directional control, collision with obstructions during takeoff, mechanical factors, and premature termination of the tow Causal factors for takeoff accidents are evenly divided between loss of directional control, collision with obstructions during takeoff, mechanical factors, and a premature termination of the tow 4

Common Distractions Inadvertent extension of the spoilers / dive brakes during takeoff or climb Improperly closed or locked canopy Mechanical related occurrences Failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft Dealing with an unexpected event The most common distractions that contribute to PT3 accidents include inadvertent extension of the spoilers / dive brakes during takeoff or climb, and improperly closed or locked canopy, mechanical related occurrences, and the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper tow position. The most troubling aspect of PT3 related accidents is that many of these events are preventable through the application of basic accident prevention procedures. 5

Aerotow Takeoff Emergencies Towrope break On the ground Inflight Inadvertent release misunderstood signal from towplane Loss of power or failure of towplane to accelerate signal to release from the towplane TAKEOFF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Reference: FAA Glider Flying Handbook The most common emergency situations on takeoff develop when a towrope breaks, there is an inadvertent towrope release, or towplane loses power. There are five planning situations (FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 7) regarding in-motion towrope breaks, uncommanded release, or power loss of the towplane. While the best course of action depends on many variables, such as runway length, airport environment, and wind, all tow failures have one thing in common: the need to maintain control of the glider. Two possibilities are stalling the glider, or dragging a wingtip on the ground during a low altitude turn and cartwheeling the glider.] 6

Glider Pilot Actions Develop a “plan of action” for each contingency/takeoff emergency. Rope break Inadvertent released Tow plane fails to accelerate or engine fails Review/Practice each response with a CFI Review emergency signals 7

Towpilot Actions Develop a “plan of action” for each contingency/takeoff emergency. Rope break Inadvertent released Tow plane fails to accelerate or engine fails Coordinate action plans with glider pilot Review emergency signals 8

Ground Crew Actions Verify with PIC that pilot glider is properly configured and ready for takeoff Verify with towpilot that towplane is properly configured and fueled Verify that runway and pattern clear of other traffic/obstacles Review emergency signals 9

Ground Takeoff Emergencies Towrope break On the ground During initial climb phase During steep climb phase Inadvertent release, misunderstood signal from ground crew Loss of power or failure or auto/winch to accelerate Glider wing beginning to drop TAKEOFF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Reference: FAA Glider Flying Handbook The most common emergency situations on takeoff develop when a towrope breaks, there is an inadvertent towrope release, or towplane loses power. There are five planning situations (FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 7) regarding in-motion towrope breaks, uncommanded release, or power loss of the towplane. While the best course of action depends on many variables, such as runway length, airport environment, and wind, all tow failures have one thing in common: the need to maintain control of the glider. Two possibilities are stalling the glider, or dragging a wingtip on the ground during a low altitude turn and cartwheeling the glider.] 10

Glider Pilot Actions Develop a “plan of action” for each contingency/takeoff emergency. Rope break Inadvertent released Auto/winch fails to accelerate or engine fails Review/Practice each response with a CFI Review emergency signals 11

Auto/Winch Operator Actions Develop a “plan of action” for each contingency/takeoff emergency. Rope break Inadvertent released Auto/winch fails to accelerate or engine fails Coordinate actions with glider pilot and ground crew Review emergency signals 12

Ground Crew Actions Verify with PIC that pilot glider is properly configured and ready for takeoff\ Verify that auto/winch operator is ready for launch Verify that runway and pattern clear of other traffic/obstacles Review emergency signals 13

Self-launch Takeoff Emergencies Loss of power or failure or motorglider to accelerate TAKEOFF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Reference: FAA Glider Flying Handbook The most common emergency situations on takeoff develop when a towrope breaks, there is an inadvertent towrope release, or towplane loses power. There are five planning situations (FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 7) regarding in-motion towrope breaks, uncommanded release, or power loss of the towplane. While the best course of action depends on many variables, such as runway length, airport environment, and wind, all tow failures have one thing in common: the need to maintain control of the glider. Two possibilities are stalling the glider, or dragging a wingtip on the ground during a low altitude turn and cartwheeling the glider.] 14

Glider Pilot Actions Develop a “plan of action” for each contingency/takeoff emergency. Motorglider fails to accelerate or engine fails Review/Practice each response with a CFI Review emergency signals 15

On-Line Training SSF Wing Runners Course http://www.soaringsafety.org/school/wingrunner/toc.htm Ground Handling, Assisting the Pilot with Pre-Flight Preparations, Positioning the Glider for Takeoff, Assisting the Pilot with Pre-Takeoff Checklist, Connecting the Towline, Launching the Glider, Final Exam

SSF Tow Pilot Training Course On-Line Training SSF Tow Pilot Training Course Course Introduction Tow Hook, Tow Ring, Tow Rope Inspection, Takeoff Planning, Standard American Soaring Signals – Ground Signals, Take Off and Climb, Tow Positions, Turns and Release, Descent, Approach, and Landing, Cross-Country Aerotow, Emergencies, Other Airborne Non- Emergency Signals, Federal Aviation Regulations for Two Pilots, Flight Training Syllabus, Final Examination.

Recommendations Effective Use of Checklist Takeoff Emergency Planning Review “plan of action” prior to takeoff Coordinate with Wing Runner Coordinate with Tow Pilot Proper Use of SSA Recommended Signals Effective Use of Resources The Soaring Safety Foundation strongly encourages all pilots to adopt the following accident prevention strategies to help prevent PT3 accidents. Effective Use of Checklists Checklists are designed to confirm that specific safety of flight items have been accomplished prior to a specific phase of flight. The SSF encourages all pilots to exercise proper checklist discipline and to use a checklist appropriate to the glider being flown. Pilots should ensure that all checklist items are completed in a timely manner and in the proper sequence regardless of the specific checklist being used. Takeoff Emergency Planning The most important strategy available for the prevention of PT3 accidents is the development on an emergency plan prior to every takeoff. The SSF stresses the importance of planning for abnormal occurrences during launch by encouraging the addition of the letter E, for Emergency Plan, to all pre-takeoff checklists. Proper Use of SSA Recommended Signals In 1993, the Soaring Safety Foundation adopted the use of a new visual signal to warn the glider pilot on tow that the glider's dive brakes / spoilers may be inadvertently extended. Proper use of this signal can alert the glider pilot as to the improper configuration of the glider before a PT3 event occurs. The SSF strongly encourages every pilot to become familiar with the Standard American Soaring Signals and to use these signals properly. Click on the picture to animate. Use your back key to return. Effective Use of Resources Proper training of individuals involved with launch operations (tow-pilots, wing-runners, etc.) is an important aspect of the prevention of PT3 accidents. Wing-runners should be trained to confirm proper configuration of the glider (spoilers closed, canopy closed and locked) and to scan for conflicting traffic in the pattern prior to initiating the Begin Takeoff signal. Tow-pilots must also be cognizant of potential problems associated with configuration of the towing aircraft and the glider. Tow-pilots must also closely monitor takeoff performance to identify potential problems early in the launch sequence. 18

References FAA PTS FAA Glider Flying Handbook 19