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When the required checklists have been completed and both the glider and towplane are ready for takeoff, the glider pilot signals the launch crewmember/wing runner to hook the towline to the glider. 

## Normal Assisted Takeoff 

The towrope hookup should be done deliberately and correctly, and the release mechanism should be checked for proper operation. The launch crewmember/wing runner applies tension to the towline and signals the glider pilot to activate the release. The launch crewmember should verify that the release works properly and signal the glider pilot. When the towline is hooked up to the glider again, the launch crewmember repositions to the wing that is down. When the glider pilot signals “ready for takeoff,” the launch crewmember/wing runner clears both the takeoff and landing area, and then signals the tow pilot to “take up slack” in the towline. Once the slack is out of the towline, the launch crewmember verifies that the glider pilot is ready for takeoff; this may include a “thumbs up” by the glider pilot. The crewmember/wing runner does a final traffic pattern check, and then raises the wings to a level position. With the wings raised, the crewmember/wing runner then signals the tow pilot for takeoff. At the same time, the glider pilot signals the tow pilot by wagging the rudder back and forth, concurring with the launch crewmember’s/wing runner’s takeoff signal. If a radio is used, the glider pilot advises the tow pilot that he or she is ready for takeoff, stating “Canopy and dive/air brakes closed and locked.” 

As the launch begins and the glider accelerates, the launch crewmember/wing runner runs alongside the glider, holding the wing level. When the glider achieves lift-off speed, the glider pilot should allow the glider to become just barely airborne and level behind the towplane’s tail, as it accelerates to climb speed. The glider pilot must be precise in controlling the glider at this very low altitude of 2 to 4 feet, more or less depending on the aircraft involved. Any large excursions from the position of level directly behind the towplane’s tail can lead to disaster for the tow pilot and the glider pilot(s). The glider pilot must not climb above the towplane’s tail, as this can force the towplane’s propeller into the runway surface. Lateral glider deviations side to side can drive the towplane off the runway. The glider pilot should maintain this altitude by applying forward stick pressure, as necessary, while the glider is accelerating. Once the towplane lifts off, it accelerates in ground effect to the desired climb airspeed, and then the climb begins for both the glider and towplane. 

During takeoff while at very low altitudes, it may be necessary to steer the glider solely with the rudder due to the very long wings of most gliders. The long wings, combined with very short landing gear stances, make gliders prone to hitting runway lights and signage. Keeping the glider’s wings level 

helps prevent collisions with obstructions but restricts aileron usage close to the surface. Control the bank angle of the wings with the ailerons. Full deflection of the flight controls may be necessary at low airspeeds, but the flight controls become more effective as airspeed increases. [Figure 7-3] 

<img src='content_image/594329.jpg'>

In most takeoffs, the glider achieves flying airspeed before the towplane. However, if the glider is a heavily ballasted glider, the towplane may be able to achieve liftoff airspeed before the glider. In such a situation, the towplane should remain in ground effect until the glider is off the ground. Climb-out must not begin until the previously determined climb airspeed has been achieved. 

One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority. 

