AMC1 SFCL.205 Sailplane towing and banner towing rating

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 52

Text in magenta in force from 15 September 2025

TRAINING FOR THE SAILPLANE TOWING AND BANNER TOWING RATING

1. General

   The aim of the towing instruction is to qualify SPL holders with TMG privileges to tow a sailplane or a banner. The theoretical knowledge and flight instruction should cover the relevant elements as set out in this AMC.

2. Theoretical knowledge: towing of sailplanes

   The theoretical knowledge syllabus for towing of sailplanes should cover the revision or explanation of:

   1. regulations about towing flights;

   2. equipment for the towing activity;

   3. sailplane towing techniques, including:

      1. signals and communication procedures;

      2. take-off (normal and crosswind);

      3. in-flight launch procedures;

      4. descending on tow;

      5. sailplane release procedure;

      6. tow rope release procedure;

      7. landing with tow rope connected (if applicable);

      8. emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions;

      9. safety procedures;

      10. flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing sailplanes;

      11. look-out and collision avoidance;

      12. performance data sailplanes, including:

          1. suitable speeds; and

          2. stall characteristics in turns;

      13. effects of wake turbulence and downwash on the towed sailplane’s performance, handling characteristics and stall speed; and

      14. effects of propeller wash in the initial phase of the take-off roll at crosswind.

3. Theoretical knowledge: banner towing

   The theoretical knowledge syllabus for banner towing should cover the revision or explanation of:

   1. regulations about banner towing;

   2. equipment for the banner towing activity;

   3. ground crew coordination;

   4. pre-flight procedures;

   5. banner towing techniques, including:

      1. take-off launch;

      2. banner pickup manoeuvres;

      3. flying with a banner in tow;

      4. release procedure;

      5. landing with a banner in tow (if applicable);

      6. emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions;

      7. safety procedures;

      8. flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing a heavy or light banner; and

      9. prevention of stall during towing operations.

4. Flying training: towing of sailplanes

   The exercises of the towing training syllabus for towing sailplanes should be repeated as necessary until the student achieves a safe and competent standard and should comprise at least the following practical training items:

   1. take-off procedures (normal and crosswind take-offs);

   2. 360° circles on tow with a bank of 30 ° and more;

   3. descending on tow;

   4. release procedure of the sailplane;

   5. landing with the tow rope connected (if applicable);

   6. tow rope release procedure in-flight;

   7. emergency procedures (simulation); and

   8. signals and communication during tow.

5. Flying training: banner towing

6. The exercises of the towing training syllabus for banner towing should be repeated as necessary until the student achieves a safe and competent standard and should comprise at least the following practical training items:

   1. pickup manoeuvres;

   2. towing in-flight techniques;

   3. release procedures;

   4. flight at critically low air speeds;

   5. maximum performance manoeuvres;

   6. emergency manoeuvres to include equipment malfunctions (simulated);

   7. specific banner towing safety procedures;

   8. go-around with the banner connected; and

   9. loss of engine power with the banner attached (simulated).

[Editorial note: The text above will be replaced by the text below on 15 September 2025]

1. General: The aim of the towing instruction is to qualify SPL holders with TMG privileges to tow a banner. The theoretical knowledge and flight instruction should cover the relevant elements as set out in this AMC.

2. Theoretical knowledge: banner towing

   The theoretical knowledge syllabus for banner towing should cover the revision or explanation of:

   1. regulations about banner towing;

   2. equipment for the banner towing activity;

   3. ground crew coordination;

   4. pre-flight procedures;

   5. banner towing techniques, including:

      1. take-off launch;

      2. banner pickup manoeuvres;

      3. flying with a banner in tow;

      4. release procedure;

      5. landing with a banner in tow (if applicable);

      6. emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions;

      7. safety procedures;

      8. flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing a heavy or light banner; and

      9. prevention of stall during towing operations.

3. Flying training: banner towing

   The exercises of the towing training syllabus for banner towing should be repeated as necessary until the student achieves a safe and competent standard and should comprise at least the following practical training items:

   1. pickup manoeuvres;

   2. towing in-flight techniques;

   3. release procedures;

   4. flight at critically low air speeds;

   5. maximum performance manoeuvres;

   6. emergency manoeuvres to include equipment malfunctions (simulated);

   7. specific banner towing safety procedures;

   8. go-around with the banner connected; and

   9. loss of engine power with the banner attached (simulated).