The Derstine page was a good start, although it was far from the last word
on the topic. It represented his views and opinions. I think you all know
the rest of that...
Aerotowing is definitely enjoyable. You asked for parameters. Tugs should
be large enough and powerful enough to be seen and haul the planes up.
While we have successfully towed a 50 lb sailplane with a 50cc 1/4 scale
Cub, we do not recommend that for all.
The addition of larger engines to the tugs gives quite a bit of a safety
margin to both ships. If the sailplane drags a wing tip and starts to
pirouette on the ground, a larger/more powerful tug can pull through. A
smaller setup would have difficulty.
It is our belief here in KS, where we do a lot of aerotow, that a powerful
launch is best. The goal is to get the team up high enough and with enough
airspeed that, should the tow need to be aborted, the sailplane has a better
chance to return to the field.
Tug and glider pilot can both play a role in modulating the speed of the
tow. I have ships that have easily overrun the tug. It was my fault, all I
had to do was pull up on the sailplane to reduce it's speed. The tug pilot
can also pull up to accomplish the same.
Do not scrimp on the quality of the tow release SERVO. The release should
be tested such that the line is released under significant load. The servo
should have good torque, obviously digital is overkill. Use the servo arm
wisely, put the release cable/wire at the shortest possible part of the arm,
not the outside. You don't need much throw.
It is critical that the two pilots communicate, especially when either is
new or nervous. Do not hesitate to release if things get out of shape. Do
not hesitate to tell the other guy to get off if things are either out of
shape or too high for comfort.
Interesting to note the comment about things coming full circle back to
power. I'd like to offer that we have found that the tugs without mufflers,
like those used at JR, are loud. It wears on you after a while. You don't
notice the sound levels 'till they take a break and it is significant and
unenjoyable. We have had great success in hushing our tugs using mufflers,
prop choice and throttle management.
Finally, smaller wheels on either the tug or the sailplane should be
discouraged. If the sailplane is small, say 1/4 or less, the wheel will
frequently not be tall enough for modest grass. Use a dolly. This is by
far the most frequent cause of aerotow mishap.
Please go to my half-developed web site. I have lots of pics and videos,
and lots of self incriminating descriptions of mistakes made with aerotow
ships. Please learn from them.
www.kcse.us
Lee Estingoy
Kansas City Soaring and Electric Club
and in a new twist,
Consiglieri for Castle Creations, Inc.
Yes, I now get paid to play with toys planes all day long. :)
Off to AMA show tomorrow.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Broeski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Ray Hayes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Bill Swingle"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <Soaring@airage.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 5:48 PM
Subject: Re: [RCSE] Aerotowing
I find that Aerotow is easier than other types of launching. Sailplane
pilot keeps the wings level and the tow pilot does the rest. Heck, Johnny
Berlin took my plane straight up while he was doing rolls. My job was to
let him know when I was going to release.
One thing I noticed is that towing takes some special talent. There are
occasions when tow pilots have a hard time keeping the right amount of
speed and the right amount of climb for some of the faster sailplanes.
Sometimes the sailplane can overtake the tow plane and make for some
exciting releases. Or, from what I've been told, some of us less
experienced sailplane pilots don't know when to use spoilers on tow. I
guess there are two ways to look at it. One is to just pull the plane
right up to release height the fastest way. The other is to make it more
realistic like the full scale with a slower steady climb. I don't know
which I like better yet. I do know that tow pilots like Johnny and others
make it seem easy.
T
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ray Hayes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Bill Swingle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
<Soaring@airage.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 6:21 PM
Subject: Re: [RCSE] Aerotowing
This probably doesn't help Bill, but I can see the full circle now. Many
sailplane clubs were off shoots of power clubs and with aerotowing
becoming
popular I can see the migration back to the power clubs.
Aerotow is very similar to an ROG winch tow, but Aerotow for sure beats
lugging the winch.
Ray Hayes
http://www.skybench.com
Home of Wood Crafters
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Swingle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <Soaring@airage.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [RCSE] Aerotowing
Naturally, the Derstine page roughly titled
"What are the procedures for towing and what must the tow pilot and
sailplane pilot do during the tow?"
Interests me the most. Any one have a link to something similar?
Bill Swingle
Janesville, CA
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