For an aerotow of a glider with certificated gross weight of 1040 pounds, what is the minimum allowable towline strength?

• A. 600 pounds
• B. 700 pounds
• C. 832 pounds
• D. 900 pounds

Answer: (C)

The required towline must be strong enough to safely carry the load from the glider being towed, and the standard minimum is a fixed percentage of the glider’s certificated gross weight. Specifically, the minimum breaking strength is 0.8 times the glider’s gross weight. For a glider with a 1040 lb gross weight, that’s 0.8 × 1040 = 832 pounds. So 832 pounds is the smallest rope strength that meets the requirement. A rope rated lower would not meet the minimum, and while higher-rated ropes would also work, the question asks for the minimum.