![[GFH tow positions.png]] ### High Tow Position - Glider is positioned just above towplane wake - Towplane appears slightly above the horizon - Preferred tow position for most situations ### Low Tow Position - Glider is positioned just below towplane wake - Towplane horizontal stabilizer appears on towplane pilot's shoulders (for Pawnee towplane) - Not preferred tow position, as towline break or towplane release could easily entangle glider - Does improve efficiency by reducing required tail-down force on towplane; can be used for long, straight tows such as cross-country ### Turns - Made in high tow position, matching towplane's flight path - Match towplane bank angle, put glider's nose on towplane's outer wingtip - If the glider turns too early or the bank is too steep, the glider turn radius becomes smaller than towplane turn radius; [[Slack Line]] will develop, glider decelerates and sinks - If the glider turns too late or the bank is too shallow, the glider turn radius becomes larger than towplane turn radius; towline tension increases, glider accelerates and climbs ![[GFH aerotow turns.png]] ### Common Errors - Failure to maintain proper vertical and lateral alignment with towplane; in updrafts/downdrafts, whatever happens to the towplane, will happen to the glider 2 seconds later - Losing sight of the towplane; if this happens the glider must perform [[Tow Release]] **immediately!** - Inadvertent entry into towplane wake - Failure to maintain proper alignment during turns