"Loose ends" on Tow

[Ward Odenwald]

Took one tow at Ridgely on Saturday that resulted in an extended sled-ride. While going through the photos of the flight, I noticed that my VG line had become a “loose end” soon after Adam started his takeoff roll on the tug (see photos). The bouncing/vibration of the cart and head-wind just after 10-15 ft of roll was enough to toss the line. Fortunately, it didn’t snag and I don’t want to think about what would have happen if it did. From now on, wedging a folded VG line between the upright and flying wire is not an option. I’m considering using a rubber band to secure the line to the upright but if there is a better idea please let us know.

[Lauren Tjaden]

Interesting.Just yesterday, Jamie was telling me in Australia this year a VG line came loose (as it was launching on tow), tangled in the cart wheel and caused a nasty wreck with the glider nosing in. (No major injury or fatality resulted, thankfully.)
The comp organizers started handing out rubber bands to use. I have a little velcro strap around my downtube and store the VG in there while on tow.
Lauren

[lbunner]

I was witness to the near tragic incident at Forbes and now stow my VG cord in a bungee tied to my downtube.

[carweill]

The potential problems are too many.

Have a secure way to keep the VG line together. I use a velcro wrap. Others use a bungy around the downtube. You can set it in a way that its easy to come loose once done with the tug. I'm sure Sunny and Adam can recommend other ways too.

Carlos

[hang_pilot]

An elastic cord band around the downtube is the way to go.

[RichH]

Good call out Ward..I usually just wrap mine around the downtube but Im now going to rig a small velcro strap to hold my line..P.S. Wallaby was pretty good got some good flights...Rich

[silverwings]

Thanks for the topic and solutions. Something I will incorporate in my aerotowing.

[Dave Proctor]

Ward--Glad it didn't get hooked on anything. Depending on the type of VG cord cleat, you may be able to fold the cord and stick it underneath the VG line between the cleat and down tube. I used to put mine between the down tube and front wire, but this is not very secure and comes free way too easily. Also be careful about harness zipper pull lines. On a similar vane, I like to use a very short tow bridle (shoulder line only, AKA pro-tow). I feel this minimizes the chance that it will be underneath the cart tube or basetube when hooked. You don't think this can happen? I have personally seen it happen to one of the most experienced tow pilots around. Trust me. It can.

[mcgowantk]

Just wanted to add my thanks to Ward, and say that I will need the bungee to hold up the VG string during foot launches too.

Tom McGowan

[Danny Brotto]

Don't know how other gliders are set up but with the U2 I bunch the line and secure it between the cleat and control bar/base tube junction under a 1/3 tight VG during launch. There's no way for it to work itself free. It's also part of my checklist just before going out to the tug...

SCRUB CATS

Straps: Hooked in and locked in
Controls: Free and clear movement above the control bar
Undercarriage: Upright for landing (leg straps checked)
Release: Release mechanism in order. parachute handle clear
Backstrap: Cocoon harness backstrap secure
Canopy: Helmet on and strap snug
Altimeter: Altimeter and vario system on and set
Trim: 1/3 VG
Slop: all dangling stuff (VG lines) tended to

SCRUB CATS is an acronym for sailplane launches too... but the words are a bit different.

Danny Brotto