http://ozreport.com/12.83#1

Peter Birren <<email>> writes:

The Skyting guidelines on my site were originally written before aerotowing was devised, when all towing was ground-based as with static line towing, stationary winch and platform/payout. My comments, added in parenthesis, are in keeping with the main focus of static line towing on the RHGPA website.

Comparing center of mass distribution needs of a static line towing v/s an aerotowing is apples and oranges in one respect, that of foot launching and changing tow force angle in static line towing v/s aerotowing's dolly roll-out and consistent direction of the tow force. Also comparing the center of mass attachments between tow styles is apples/oranges as well. The pro-tow chest-only bridle does well in this respect because of aerotowing's small range of motion.

You pointed out the main problem of snagging the bridle with the pro-tow and keel-released V-bridles. Don Hewett and I have written often, and you have mentioned as well, that having the release at the bridle apex - between bridle and towline - totally eliminates this problem.

Reliable Communications are absolutely necessary but for aerotowing that doesn't include a radio because of the problems with electrical interference; the pilot's and crew's hand signals are just fine.

Thanks for a good series of articles on the subject(s).