The Soaring Safety Foundation and the Soaring Society of America have assembled a Tow Pilot Flight Training Syllabus to facilitate tow pilot training and checkout. Prior to beginning tow pilot training review and ensure the applicant meets the requirements identified in §61.69 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing: Experience and training requirements
TOW PILOT TRAINING SYLLABUS
Ground Training
Completion of the SSF Tow Pilot Training course
Tow Plane preflight inspection
Inspection of tow hook
Inspection of Tow line
Condition--abrasion, fraying, broken strands
Rings--condition, proper size
Splicing demonstration & practice
Glider Flight Training
If the tow pilot trainee does not hold a glider rating, they need training in a glider prior to towing. This training is conducted by a certified flight instructor – glider (CFI-G).
Glider Flight 1- Tow pilot candidate will observe the takeoff and tow. Observe high and low tow position, turns on tow, slack rope and observe the following signals: Glider Problem and Emergency Release.
Glider Flight 2 - Tow pilot candidate will observe the takeoff and fly the tow with assistance. Observe descending and climbing in the wake, boxing the wake, and out of position maneuvers, practice turns on tow with the assistance of the CFIG, and observe a normal release.
Glider Flight 3 - Tow pilot candidate will take and fly the tow with assistance. Descend and climb through the wake, box the wake, fly turns on tow, and complete a normal release.
Glider Flight 4 - Practice prior maneuvers as needed.
Tow Plane Flight Training
This training is conducted and documented by a qualified tow pilot.
Tow plane 1 - Practice tow, with emphasis on takeoff, initial climb, normal release, and descent procedures.
Tow plane 2 - Practice tow, with emphasis on climb airspeed control.
Tow plane 3 - Practice tow, with emphasis on climb during out of position glider maneuvers.
Tow plane 4 - Practice tow, with emphasis on emergency signals: Glider Problem and Emergency Release.
Tow plane 5 - Practice tow, with emphasis on glider rope break training at or above 200 feet AGL.
Tow plane 6 - Practice simulated tow, review emergency procedures: Takeoff emergencies, power failure during climb out, glider cannot release, glider and tow plane cannot release and glider problem.
After completion of the tow pilot training, the new tow pilot must receive the following endorsements:
Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing experience: § 61.69(a)(5).
This endorsement is made by the pilot who is qualified per § 61.69(c) and (d) and who conducted the flights. This endorsement does not have to be made by a flight instructor.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has accomplished at least three flights in an aircraft while towing [a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, or while simulating towing flight procedures, as applicable].
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321
Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing ground and flight: § 61.69(a)(3).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required ground and flight training in [a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, as applicable]. I have determined that [he or she] is proficient in the techniques and procedures essential to the safe towing of [gliders or unpowered vehicles, as applicable] including airspeed limitations; emergency procedures; signals used; and maximum angles of bank