Getting Airborne

This form of launch tows the glider behind a powered aircraft to a height specified by the glider pilot normally 2000 ft. The tow rope is attached to both glider and tow plane . Both are fitted with a special hook and both can release the tow rope at any time.It is normal for the glider pilot to 'release' when the pre determined height is achieved.

A better start to hunt for thermals, and greater height to carry out special and advanced training exercises. You can be taken to any part of the sky and often visiting glider pilots request to be towed back to their own airfield.

A long steel cable is attached to the glider while at the opposite end of the airfield there is a special vehicle equipped with a large drum. The cable is wound in pulling the glider into the air. The pilot has complete control over the flight, however the glider does not achieve the height of an aero tow.

This is the original and still a very cost effective way of launching gliders. It is quite a fast way of achieving height, taking just over a minute to the top of the launch, where the glider pilot releases the cable at around 1200ft.