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LOUISVILLE SOARING CLUB
SAFETY MATTERS
---Glider/Tow Pilot Communications---

After a year of experience with the Scout, our tow pilot union has identified a couple of areas where we can enhance safety.  Many of these are tow pilot only issues, but we in the gliders can help by using radio calls to supplement the normal visual signals.

 On the ground, the tow pilot’s view of the rope and hook up activity is often blocked by the Scout’s vertical stabilizer.  As a result, the tow pilots have had to rely on the crew chief’s signal to take up the slack.  Normally this works well, but a new (or distracted) crew chief may not be as fluent with the standard SSA hand signals or potential hazard areas as they would normally be later in the season.  Another situation occurred on several occasions last summer when we had “helpful” visitors raise the sailplane wing while people were still standing in front of the sailplane. 

 The Scout visibility issues don’t go away once airborne.  If the glider is riding a little low on tow, it’s hard for the tow plane to see him in the mirrors.  On a smooth day, the tow pilot can usually feel the glider release, but turbulence or a ‘soft’ release, can leave the tow pilot unsure if he’s still got the glider in tow or not.

 To close the loop on glider/tow communications, we’re requesting that the glider pilots use their radios at three specific times during the launch - and when doing so use the following specific language:

1) When the rope is connected and it’s safe to do so, say “TAKE UP SLACK”.
2) After the crew chief levels the wings give a “GLIDER’S READY” call
3)  Tow pilots - after receiving "ready call", wait approximately three seconds before applying power, giving glider pilot enough time to secure the microphone.
4) When you are safely released, give a “GLIDER’S RELEASED” call

 Use of the radios is intended to supplement the normal visual signals - not replace them.  Glider pilots, tow pilots, and crew chiefs should continue to use appropriate visual signals on every launch as we have done in the past.  Radio calls will confirm the visual signals that are seen and fill in for those that might otherwise be missed.  That way, if a glider’s radio is inoperative or someone is clogging up the freq with chatter, our launch sequence, expectations, and habits don’t change.

 One last item - as we try this out there will undoubtedly be times when something goes awry.  Glider pilots - remember that you have a sure-fire way to remedy a situation if things start happening you do not intend or are not ready for - PULL THE RELEASE.  Safety does matter!
 
LSC Flying Safety Rules 2007

CREW CHIEF DUTIES

Your primary job is ground safety.  Everything else is secondary (flying log, putting gliders together, entertaining guests, etc.)

MARGINAL WEATHER DAYS

Tow pilots will generally not show unless 3-4 people are committed to fly.  Use the web site bulletin board to communicate, with cell phones as backup.  When in doubt, call the tow pilot before heading down to the airport.

THE QUE

No gliders in the launch position when another glider is coming in for landing.  When the pattern is clear, move your glider into position and get ready.  Don’t leave your glider unattended once in position. 

RADIO USE

Because of the limited visibility from the Scout, radio calls that supplement the ground visual signals are helpful (“Take Up the Slack”, “Ready”, “Off Tow”, etc.)  Do not make “Ready” calls in the 2-33  - you’ll be trying to re-stow the hand mic as the launch starts.

CLUB ADMIN

Keep your Emergency Contact information up to date.  All Club glider checkout forms, tow pilot checkouts, annual review tests, etc should stay in the folders.  Club forms are not ‘official’ - your logbook endorsements are ‘official’.

RIDES

Private pilots are welcome to give their own guests rides.  Fly from the front seat unless you have received training and/or are experienced flying from the back seat.  Walk-on requests for rides require a Commercial rated glider pilot at the controls.  Have the riders fill out release forms (located in clipboard or in file plastic tub).  The requested ride donation is $40.

PATTERNS

As a general rule -  no thermalling in the pattern.

TOWs

The tow pilot is the final authority for all fly/no-fly calls.  Unless specifically briefed otherwise, the standard tow is 3000’, upwind, in lift.

BFR

You are responsible for tracking and scheduling your own BFRs. 

SOLOS

Insurance requirements dictate that Student pilots flying under a 90 day solo sign-off must have a CFIG on the field in order to fly.

VOLUNTEERISM

This keeps the club viable.  Everyone can find a way to contribute.  Don’t wait to be asked - if you can meet a need - we’ll all thank you!

FLYING DURING THE WEEK

It’s encouraged, but up to you to arrange.  If you can line up a tow pilot and enough other members to make it worth his while, it’s great fun.  As a web site posting might go unnoticed during the week, phone calls or a direct email to all members might be a better way to announce week day flying opportunities.

AEROBATICS

No aerobatics in club gliders.

FIRST FLIGHTS EACH YEAR

Just prior to the first flight of the year is an excellent time to review your flight manuals.  Fill out an annual glider quiz for each glider you are checked out to fly. Have it checked by another pilot familiar with that glider.  Make your first flights in low stress conditions (low crosswind, etc.)  Review rides with a CFIG are always available.