When using a towline with breaking strength more than twice the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider, where must an approved safety link be installed?

• A. At both ends of the rope (glider and towplane)
• B. At the glider end only
• C. At the towplane end only
• D. Nowhere

Answer: (A)

When a towline is very strong relative to the glider, there’s a greater potential for high-energy loads during takeoff or a breakaway. An approved safety link provides a designed weak point that will fail first, absorbing or releasing load in a controlled way and protecting both aircraft from more severe damage. Because the line’s breaking strength exceeds twice the glider’s maximum certificated operating weight, it’s required to place an approved safety link at each end of the towline—the glider end and the towplane end—so that if an overload occurs, the failure happens at the link on either side rather than at a critical fitting or a wing. Having links at both ends ensures a predictable, safer release path for both aircraft.