### Before Takeoff - Perform [[Before Takeoff Check]] - Pilot should be ready to release at any time after towline is connected, in the event of a miscommunication and premature launch initiation - The pilot and wingrunner/launch crewmember will communicate using [[Visual Signals]] - Once slack is taken up, give "ready" signal - Wingrunner should perform final check for traffic, and position glider wings level, or upwind wing slightly low for crosswind - Wingrunner and pilot both give "begin takeoff" signal to towplane, takeoff roll begins ### Takeoff Roll Some gliders require full forward stick (2-33) at the beginning of the takeoff roll, some may require neutral or slightly aft stick (Grob 103); this varies with towhook location and CG/landing gear orientation. Position ailerons into the wind. Full control deflections may be needed at first; as glider accelerates, flight controls will become more effective. The pilot should: - Adjust forward/aft stick pressure to maintain level pitch attitude (not dragging nose or tail on ground) - Maintain wings level (or upwind wing slightly low) with ailerons - Maintain directional control with rudder - The pilot's left hand should rest on the left knee, between release knob and dive brake handle. Either may be needed in a low altitude emergency or [[Towline Break]], and leaving the hand off of (but nearby) the release knob mitigates the risk of accidentally pulling the release in the event of abrupt acceleration, turbulence, etc ### Liftoff/Acceleration The glider normally becomes airborne before the towplane. Any upsets in this phase are disastrous for the towplane, so it is absolutely critical that the glider: - Remains just above the surface (2-4ft); this will require increasing forward stick pressure as the glider accelerates - Remains directly behind the towplane; accomplished mostly with rudder (danger of a wingtip strike if glider is banked). This will involve a wind correction angle ("crab") in a crosswind ### Initial Climb As the towplane lifts off and accelerates to the desired climb speed, the glider should transition to [[Maintaining Tow Positions#High Tow Position]] with the towplane slightly above the horizon, directly behind the towplane. Verbally acknowledge passing critical emergency altitudes (ie "200ft"). ### Common Errors - Failure to complete [[Before Takeoff Check]] - Improper glider configuration for takeoff (trim, flaps, etc) - Canopy closed but not not latched - Dive brakes closed but not locked - Neglecting other occupants' seatbelts - Improper use of [[Visual Signals]] - Improper initial positioning of flight controls - Failure to maintain alignment with towplane - Climbing too high after liftoff and causing towplane upset