Here is how we made a simple and inexpensive towline for our Multiplex Easy Glider Pro and Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 tow plane. The following items are readily available at your local hardware and sporting goods stores. (Disclaimer: please note that there are better materials and better ways to make towlines, the point here is to offer a way to get started in aerotowing using simple, inexpensive, and easy to find products.)
Items Needed:
The first item is twisted (braided is better, but not as easy to find) nylon mason line available in white or several bright colors. We found this spool of “Mason Line” complete with a winder for storage of the completed towline. This bright color shows up really well in the sky and on the ground.
Mason Line
The second item is an appropriate size of Monofilament Fishing Line. We have tried various sizes and like the way the 60 lb. test size fits into the Multiplex sailplane release mechanism. Multiplex recommends the use of monofilament line in the size range of 0.5 – 1.0mm diameter. The 60 lb. test line is about 0.7mm in diameter and the 80 lb. test is about 0.9mm in diameter. The 80 lb. test size worked okay, but is very stiff and was sometimes a little harder to insert into the release mechanism.
Monofilament Fishing Line
Flagging Tape
tie a knot to make about a one inch loop
finished loop
- Monofilament loop
Loop this monofilament loop through one of the towline loops. Attach it so that the knot in the monofilament loop is located as pictured. This end of the towline will attach to the sailplane tow release.
- Attached Monofilament Loop
Cut a 6 foot length of surveyor Flagging Tape and mark the middle. On the sailplane end of the towline, mark a point a little over 3 feet from the knot in the Mason Line. Tie the Flagging Tape and the Mason Line together at the marks so the Flagging Tape forms two streamers.
Towline Streamers
Congratulations, you have just completed your first towline!
(We recommend that you make several of these towlines just in case one gets damaged or lost in the middle of a busy towing session.)
