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required by ATC, the pilot in charge (PIC) must notify the control tower. If a control tower does not exist or is not in operation, the PIC must notify the FAA flight service station (FSS) serving that controlled airspace before conducting any towing operations. 

• Stop engine/release tow line—this signal is given by moving a hand back and forth across the throat. 

• Tow plane ready—prior to takeoff, carefully look at the glider to ensure the glider dive brakes are closed and no one is standing in front of the wings or so close to the launch path to create a hazard. It is important to note, however, that some high-performance gliders may make their initial takeoff roll with spoilers open. Know your gliders and if in doubt, do not be ashamed to question the glider pilot. Better to be a bit embarrassed than to end up in the trees at the end of the runway. Additionally, the tow pilot should ensure that the traffic pattern is clear of aircraft. Once assured that the glider is ready and the briefed departure path is clear, the ready for takeoff signal may be given with a waggle of the tow plane rudder. 

• Stop operation or emergency—this signal is given by a waving motion of the arms above the head. 

## Takeoff and Climb 

The takeoff is done by advancing the throttle smoothly and quickly in one motion. [Figure 12-11]  If the tow plane is allowed to accelerate and then slow down, the glider may overrun the tow line. This may result in the tow line becoming tangled in the landing gear of the glider. The glider may then be unable to release. Accelerate to liftoff speed keeping in mind that during the takeoff phase of flight, ground effect produces some important relationships. The tow plane leaving ground effect will: 

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• Require an increase in the angle of attack (AOA) to maintain the same lift coefficient; 

• Experience an increase in induced drag and thrust required; 

• Experience a decrease in stability and a nose-up change in moment; and 

• Produce a reduction in static source pressure and increase in indicated airspeed. 

These general effects should point out the possible danger in attempting takeoff prior to achieving the recommended lift-off speed. Due to the reduced drag in ground effect, the tow plane may seem capable of takeoff well below the recommended speed; however, lifting out of ground effect with a lower than normal lift off speed may result in very marginal initial climb performance. 

The glider will normally liftoff first. The pilot of the glider should correct for crosswind until the tow plane becomes airborne. 

At this point, the tow pilot must remain extra alert. The tail of the tow plane may be lifted if the glider climbs too high. Should this happen, the application of full-up elevator on the tow plane may not be sufficient to prevent an accident from happening. The tow pilot must be ready to pull the release handle, releasing the glider and regaining control. As a rule of thumb, the 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. 

After liftoff, a constant airspeed climb should be established. The pilot of the glider should establish a position directly behind the tow plane. The pilot of the tow plane should maintain a constant ground track on the initial climb. Upon reaching a safe altitude, a turn may be established to maintain the desired departure path. Bank angle should be limited to a maximum of 15–20°. 

Climb at full throttle unless otherwise required by the POH. The fuel/air mixture should be leaned only in accordance with the POH for maximum power. Each specific model of glider has a published maximum aerotow speed, and the tow pilot must be familiar with this speed, which may be very close to the minimum safe speed of the tow plane. [Figure 12-12] 

The tow pilot should understand that these are maximum airspeeds. Plan to fly at a speed slower than the maximum while maintaining safe tow plane flying speed. When towing a different model of glider for the first time, obtain a briefing from the glider pilot to ensure compliance with maximum 

