Lesson 2h - Normal Takeoff

Lesson Objective

The student will learn the procedures and skills necessary for a takeoff on aerotow. This includes the initial rollout to the beginning of the climb-out.

Regulatory Requirement

• Student Pilot: §61.87(i)(3)
• Private Pilot Test Candidate: PTS Area of Operation IV(B)

Content

• Beginning of the takeoff roll
• Glider airborne, towplane on ground
• Initial towplane climbout

Video Example

Here is an illustration of a normal takeoff, a high-definition video running 1:26.  No two takeoffs will look exactly alike, but this will give you an idea of the view from the cockpit if you've never seen one: The Takeoff .

Completion Standards

When complete, the student will:

Before the glider takes off:

• avoid dragging a wingtip on the ground
• maintain directional yaw control on roll-out
• prevent the glider from ballooning on takeoff
• allow the glider to take off on its own

Before the towplane takes off, and after the glider is airborne:

• maintains proper ground track by crabbing
• maintain appropriate position above the ground while the towplane is still on the ground

After the towplane is airborne:

• establish appropriate position on tow once the towplane is airborne.

Other factors to safe take-off

• explain the relationship between temperature and takeoff performance
• explain the hazards of ballooning.
• explain the go/no-go point to continue the aerotow while the towplane is still on the take-off roll
• explain the hazards of takeoff performance on high density altitude days.

Prerequisite Study

• Glider Fying Handbook (2024) Chapter 5, pages 5-1 through 5-9; Performance Factors
• Glider Fying Handbook (2013) Chapter 7, pages 7-3 through 7-7; Takeoff Procedures and Techniques
  
• Kiting youtube video