AMC1 SFCL.205 Sailplane towing and banner towing rating

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

TRAINING FOR THE SAILPLANE TOWING AND BANNER TOWING RATING

(a) 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.

(b) 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:

(i) signals and communication procedures;

(ii) take-off (normal and crosswind);

(iii) in-flight launch procedures;

(iv) descending on tow;

(v) sailplane release procedure;

(vi) tow rope release procedure;

(vii) landing with tow rope connected (if applicable);

(viii) emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions;

(ix) safety procedures;

(x) flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing sailplanes;

(xi) look-out and collision avoidance;

(xii) performance data sailplanes, including:

(A) suitable speeds; and

(B) stall characteristics in turns;

(xiii) effects of wake turbulence and downwash on the towed sailplane’s performance, handling characteristics and stall speed; and

(xiv) effects of propeller wash in the initial phase of the take-off roll at crosswind.

(c) 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:

(i) take-off launch;

(ii) banner pickup manoeuvres;

(iii) flying with a banner in tow;

(iv) release procedure;

(v) landing with a banner in tow (if applicable);

(vi) emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions;

(vii) safety procedures;

(viii) flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing a heavy or light banner; and

(ix) prevention of stall during towing operations.

(d) 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.

(e) 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).