is a precision aerotow maneuver, used to demonstrate the pilot's mastery of glider control during aerotow, and knowledge of the towplane wake location and dimensions, and forces involved during various tow positions. ![[GFH boxing the wake.png]] ### Forces Involved - Whenever the glider is laterally off center (left or right), tension on the towline will cause the glider to tend to drift back towards center. In order to maintain lateral displacement, a slight bank may be used, and the pilot will need to maintain aileron and rudder pressure in the desired direction. - As the glider climbs, it decelerates, and towline tension is increased. This results in a stronger tendency to drift back towards center. - As the glider descends, it accelerates, and towline tension is decreased. This results in a weaker tendency to drift back towards center. ### Execution - Advise tow pilot of your intention to perform the maneuver prior to launch - Perform normal aerotow until clear of the traffic pattern and above 1000ft AGL - Begin the maneuver by descending from center [[Maintaining Tow Positions#High Tow Position]] to center [[Maintaining Tow Positions#Low Tow Position]]. In addition to the visual references for these tow positions, the pilot will note the vertical limits of the turbulent wake of the towplane. - From the center low tow position, establish a shallow bank with aileron and rudder to maneuver the glider to a lower corner of the box. The towplane's tailwheel should appear in line with the main landing gear wheel (Pawnee towplane). Maintain this position momentarily with aileron and rudder. - Climb to the upper corner on the same side of the box. This will require increased rudder pressure as towline tension increases. Maintain this position momentarily. - Reduce aileron and rudder pressure, then apply opposite aileron and rudder pressure to transition along the top of the box to the opposite upper corner. Maintain this position momentarily. - Descend to the lower corner on the same side of the box. This will require decreased rudder pressure as towline tension decreases. Maintain this position momentarily. - Relax aileron and rudder pressure and reposition the glider to the center low tow position. - Complete the maneuver by climbing from center low tow position to center high tow position. ### Common Errors - Performing an incorrectly sized box - Improper control use and coordination - Rapid change in glider position - Developing [[Slack Line]] [<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VaPS5q8ogm4?si=GwiIpsF6OmJWLETJ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>] [<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BCVkXHx54YY?si=zVv8TowtDsyOoXBu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>]