Hi Robert Have a look at the eTug information on GFA's website. The testing of this Pawnee has passed 300 hours and more than 3,000 launches. Experience reveals we will easily achieve our objectives "To reduce the cost of an aerotow to 2,000' by 50%, and to speed up the launch rate by 50%." In fact we have beaten the criteria by substantial margins, including achieving 13.4 launches to 2'000' in one engine hour.
The high climb rate improves safety, not associated with low powered "lighties" that barely make it over the end fence. GFA have energetically supported an approach to CASA to certify the aircraft in the Restricted category. CASA have provided an outline of how we can achieve this approval. We are working on it now. Cheers Michael Shirley -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Robert Dorning Sent: Saturday, 3 May 2008 12:21 PM To: aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net Subject: [Aus-soaring] Tow Planes Dear all I have only recently re-joined this list and hope I'm not raising a topic which has recently been done to death. The Gliding Club of Victoria (GCV) operates four conventional high- hour GA-type tugs which have rising maintenance and surging avgas fuel costs. We've decided to explore a longer-term strategic solution to these issues to reduce launch costs for our members and head off prohibitive launch costs. Areas to be explored include use of Light Sport aircraft, re-engining our tugs with newer engines (eg diesel), conventional GA types, winching and greater use of motorgliders. Of particular interest is the useability of lighter newer aircraft for towing in "hot & heavy" conditions. This can't be a problem that is unique to GCV so we're keen to find out what others have done and learnt and see how we might be able to move some general solutions along. What groups have already tackled these issues? What other ideas should we look at? All ideas and comments would be welcome. Robert _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
