Glider Towing.

[Adrian14MZ]

Hi all. Can anyone help. What is the best thing to use as a tow-rope. I was also told that 70' to 80' is ok to start with. Adrian.

[andrew wallace]

hi adrian
i use line i got in B&Q think it was used for a clothes line or something as for the lenght 100" or more is better

[andrew wallace]

Adrian this is the line i use i had to buy two as 30m is about 90 feet
hope this helps
all the best  

[Adrian14MZ]

I have been told NOT to make the tow-line to heavy because it can cause drag on the tug. What do you think ?. Adrian.

[Adrian14MZ]

Hi Andy. I came across one of your posts.
Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2011 8:25 pm    Post subject: tow line   
never thought the weight of the line used would have an effect on the glider being towed.

I am using a Sig 1/4 scale clipped wing cub with a STG23 up front. You show two lines in your post. What is the lighter one made from.

Adrian McShane,
Dublin.

[andrew wallace]

hi adrian
the small tow line was like a builders line it was very light good for using with 2.5m models

in my cub i have a 30cc dle engine

[Fred]

Hi Adrian,

I have checked mine. It is about 35m.
Remember that the shorter, the harder it is for the glider pilot to follow, unless he is used to towing.
The lenght will also depend on the size of the field you are flying on.
Some use a flag or small parachute (I had good results with a badmington "ball") at the end, some don't, really up to you.
If you have the choice, take a bright colored line, as it will be easier to see in the air for both pilots, and also easier to find on the ground if you have release for whatever reasons.
Also remember to put a weak link, maybe about 15kgs on the glider side, and a bit more on the tug side (about 20~30 kg) as if something goes wrong, the line will break first on the glider side.