During takeoff, if the towplane is still on the ground and the sailplane begins to drift to the left, what corrective action should the pilot take?

• A. Crab into the wind to maintain a position directly behind the towplane.
• B. Turn the nose away from the towplane.
• C. Increase angle of climb to rise above the towplane.
• D. Apply full rudder into the drift.

Answer: (A)

When a crosswind pushes the glider to the left while the towplane is still on the ground, the correct move is to crab into the wind to stay directly behind the towplane. By angling the fuselage into the wind, you counter the drift and keep the glider in the proper position relative to the towplane, ensuring the tow rope remains aligned and the tow remains safe. Turning the nose away from the towplane would worsen the offset, increasing the risk of improper tow. Increasing climb while the towplane is on the ground isn’t effective or necessary, and applying full rudder into the drift would just swing the nose and make the drift worse.