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plane. As a rule of thumb, use of a 200-foot tow line would require the glider to climb to over 20 feet above the altitude of the tow plane to present a danger of upset. 

If at any time the nose of the tow plane is pulled uncontrollably by the glider to a dangerously high or low pitch attitude— PULL THE RELEASE. 

If a Schweizer tow hitch is being used, it may be possible for the release mechanism to become jammed due to the excessively high position of the glider. 

## Airborne Emergencies 

## Glider Release Failure 

If the pilot of the glider is unable to release, the tow pilot should be informed by means of the aircraft radio or by the following airborne signal. The glider will move out to the left side of the towplane and rock its wings.  [Figure 12-17] Be sure not to mistake the wing rock as the beginning of a normal release. Wait a few seconds to ensure the glider’s wings are rocking. Once the tow pilot has determined the glider cannot release the tow plane should return to the airfield and release the glider at a safe altitude over the field. 

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## Neither the Tow Plane or Glider Can Release 

This is an extremely rare event. Although as improbable as this situation may be, you must be prepared. The pilot of the tow plane should inform the pilot of the glider by aircraft radio or airborne signal. The signal is accomplished by yawing the tail of the tow plane. 

The glider should move to the low tow position. Then the tow plane should begin a slow descent toward an airfield of suitable length. Fly a wide pattern ending up on an extended final approach. Set up a very stabilized and gradual (200–300 foot per minute (fpm)) descent. Plan on landing long and allowing sufficient altitude while on short final for the glider to avoid approach obstacles. 

Since the glider is lower than the tow plane, it lands first. The glider should not apply brakes until the tow plane has touched down. After touchdown, apply brakes gently or not at all, slowly coming to a stop. Remember, most glider brakes are not that effective, so allow the glider plenty of runway to stop. 

While not well defined in soaring literature, some glider pilots are taught to attempt to break the tow rope rather than land behind the tow plane. If the glider does attempt to break the rope, maintain the tow plane in a straight and level attitude in an attempt to reduce the total gravity forces of the glider’s maneuver. 

## Glider Problem 

You may notice the glider has a problem that is obviously not being detected by the glider pilot. The most common is the failure of the glider pilot to close and lock the glider’s spoilers/airbrakes prior to takeoff, resulting in an inadvertent undetected deployment of spoilers as the glider accelerates during takeoff. If you notice a problem with the glider, inform the glider pilot via radio and visual signal. The visual signal for “Glider Problem” is waggling the rudder while airborne. 

## Immediate Release 

This situation requires immediate action by the pilot of the glider. Should the tow pilot rock the wings of the tow plane, the pilot of the glider must release immediately. Obviously, this would be appropriate during a time critical tow plane emergency, such as engine-failure or fire. [Figure 12-18] 

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