1. Auto Tow Conversion Course
Lecture 1
Revised 2014

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.”

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

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