3a - Aerotow High-Low Transition
Required for Solo: 61.87(i)(12)
Required for Private: PTS IV(C)
Lesson Objective
The student will learn how to perform from high tow to low tow, and back to high tow, while transitioning directly through the tow plane's wake.
Regulatory Requirement
- Pre-Solo: §61.87(i)(12)
- Private Pilot Teste Candidate PTS IV-C
Content
- Appearance of tow plane in high tow
- Appearance of tow plane in low tow
- Effects of tow plane's wake on the glider
- Rate at which the glider must descend through the tow plane's wake.
- When to stop descending
- When the glider is too low relative to the towplane
Completion Standards
The student must be able to perform:
- a successful transition from high tow to low tow.
- a successful transition from low tow to high tow.
Common Errors
- Rushing the maneuver too quickly, causing slack,
- Allowing the glider to rise up too quickly, getting into a very high tow position
Prerequisite Study
- Glider Flying Handbook (2024), Chapter 7, page 7-11