Our first tow plane was a modified Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 with an O.S. FS-52 4-stroke glow engine. Definitely at the low end of the power spectrum for a tow plane, but it worked very well with the Easy Glider Pro in tow. We constructed a second Telemaster 40 (a twin to the first) but installed a new O.S. FS81-a 4-stroke glow engine which proved to have much greater towing power and has worked extremely well with the larger Multiplex Cularis and other heavier 3 meter fiberglass sailplanes. Here is our second Telemaster 40 with an Easy Glider Pro being hooked up to the towline.
Telemaster 40 and Easy Glider Pro
The Easy Glider Pro will typically break ground in about 30 feet.
Multiplex Easy Glider Pro
All the glider pilot needs to do is stay slightly above the tow plane and let the tow plane pull him through the turns. This usually only requires slight finger pressure on the up elevator stick and a little pressure on the rudder stick to skid to the outside in the turns.
Perfect Tow Underway
The first couple of tow attempts may be just straight out and release type runs. Once comfortable with that, the next step would be to make one U-turn and come back to a point above the starting place. After that, additional turns can be made to climb to maximum altitude.
Towing at altitude
It is best for the Easy Glider pilot to announce his intention to release to the tow pilot. We usually do a three-two-one countdown to release. The Easy Glider pilot needs to be prepared for the glider to nose up immediately upon release. You can prepare by being ready to apply slight finger pressure on the down elevator stick. It is best for the tow plane and glider to maintain a straight ahead flight path until visual separation is confirmed. Once confirmed, the tow plane can begin its dive back to pick up another customer.
Good separation upon release
The orange glo streamers and the golden yellow towline help the tow pliot visualize the end of the towline when landing so as to avoid accidentally hooking the rough at the threshold of the runway.
Telemaster 40 returns from another successful mission
Okay, that is how easy it is! Now get your tow plane and Easy Gliders ready…let’s go aero towing!
Any questions? If so, you can contact me at: jim@rcaerotowing.com
