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In some towhook systems, the high pressure loading on the towhook causes towhook seizure, and the tow pilot may not be able to release the towline from the towplane. This situation can be critical if it occurs at altitudes below 500 feet above ground level (AGL). Upon losing sight of the towplane, the glider pilot must release immediately. 

## Unassisted Takeoff 

The unassisted takeoff is basically conducted in the same manner as a normal takeoff, but the glider is positioned slightly off the runway heading (runway centerline) by approximately 10–20° with one wing on the ground. If the glider is canted to the right, then the right wing would be resting on the ground. To the left, the left wing would be resting on the ground. When the glider pilot is ready for takeoff, he or she advises the tow pilot either by radio, which is the preferred method, or by signaling the tow pilot with the “ready for takeoff” rudder waggle signal, as in the assisted takeoff. As the towplane accelerates, the wing on the ground (trailing wing) accelerates at a slightly faster rate as it is pulled in a slight arc, allowing that wing to rise quickly with little dragging. 

If the glider is aligned with the towplane during the takeoff, the wing that is on the ground has a tendency to be dragged and a ground loop may occur (or severe swerving). After the wings are level, proceed as in the normal takeoff configuration. 

## Crosswind Takeoff 

Crosswind takeoff procedures are a modification of the normal takeoff procedure. The following are the main differences in crosswind takeoffs: 

• The glider tends to weathervane into the wind any time the main wheel is touching the ground. The stronger the crosswind is, the greater the tendency of the glider is to turn into the wind. 

• After lift-off, the glider tends to drift downwind off the runway centerline. The stronger the crosswind is, the greater the tendency of the glider is to drift downwind. 

## Assisted 

Prior to takeoff, the glider pilot should coordinate with the launch crewmember to hold the upwind wing slightly low during the initial takeoff roll. If a crosswind is indicated, full aileron should be held into the wind as the takeoff roll is started. This control position should be maintained while the glider is accelerating and until the ailerons become effective for maneuvering the glider about its longitudinal (roll) axis. With the aileron held into the wind, the takeoff path must be held straight with the rudder. This requires application of downwind rudder pressure, since the glider tends to weathervane into the wind while on the ground. [Figure 7-4] As the glider’s forward speed increases, the crosswind 

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becomes more of a relative headwind; the mechanical application of full aileron into the wind should be reduced. It is when increasing pressure is being felt on the aileron control that the ailerons are becoming more effective. Because the crosswind component effect does not completely dissipate, some aileron pressure must be maintained throughout the takeoff roll to prevent the crosswind from raising the upwind wing. If the upwind wing rises, exposing more wing surface to the crosswind, a skipping action may result, as indicated by a series of small bounces occurring when the glider attempts to fly and then settles back onto the runway. This side skipping imposes side loads on the landing gear. Keeping the upwind wingtip slightly lower than the downwind wingtip prevents the crosswind from getting underneath the upwind wing and lifting it. If the downwind wingtip touches the ground, the resulting friction may cause the glider to yaw in the direction of the dragging wingtip. This yaw could lead to a loss of directional control and runway departure. 

While on the runway throughout the takeoff, the glider pilot uses the rudder to maintain directional control and alignment behind the towing aircraft. Yawing back and forth behind the towplane should be avoided, as this affects the ability of the towplane pilot to maintain control. If glider controllability becomes a problem, the glider pilot must release and stop the glider on the remaining runway. Remember, as the glider slows, the crosswind may cause it to weathervane into the wind. 

