To tow a glider, what minimum pilot in command time must be logged for the towing aircraft?

• A. 100 hours
• B. 200 hours
• C. 150 hours
• D. 50 hours

Answer: (B)

When operating a tow plane for gliders, the pilot in command must have a substantial amount of experience at the controls of that aircraft. This level of experience helps ensure safe handling during all phases of tow operations—taxi, takeoff, the tow in the climb, maintaining the correct airspeed and altitude while the glider is attached, the release and abort procedures, and the approach and landing with the added dynamic of towing another aircraft. Handling the tow rope, coordinating with the glider pilot, and making quick, correct decisions in potential emergencies (such as a tow rope problem or an aborted tow) all demand a proven track record in command of the towing aircraft. That need for seasoned judgment and practiced procedure is why the minimum is set at a high level of PIC time.