Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

Hi,

I bought a Omei 200 ep glider for my first tow glider. It has a spinner and motor in the front.
I'm thinking about how to install tow hook/release device but I think it's best to know what others have done.
And, how did u secure this device to the fuselage ? I presume the pull force of this device would be tremendous, especially for beginners like me.
Thanks.
Jake.

RE: Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

It could be as simple as a piece of 3/32nd wire bent into a rearward facing hook, slightly ahead of the CG, on the bottom of the model. As far as weight of pull, I would expect 15 lbs would get it going. Remeber though, this is no Gentle Lady. A high-start will get it up to 200 feet, and it will come back down fairly quickly (Not to say it wouldnt be FUN though)

Another fun thing to do with a plane this size is a "Zip Start" where you put the tow hook up near the nose, and the plane only gains speed, not altitude. As it passes over the stake the line drops off and you can pull up into a huge climb.

Keep in mind the Omei might not be ideal for either task. I would use it as a Slope cruiser, and use the electric motor to get out of trouble if the lift dies.

RE: Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

slopemeno,
Thanks for your reply.
Why do u think Omei is not good tow glider ? Because it's not a good thermaler ?
Little hook rearward is not gonna work if glider accelerates more than the tow plane, so I don;t like it.
Is there any better way or send link to the picture ?
And, do both tow plane and glider release ?
In real towing, I think only the glider release.
Thanks.
Jake.

RE: Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

Jrotor, you didn't say anything about a tow plane in the first post. Slopemeno's answer was based on where to place the hook for using with a high start, not a tow plane. For a tow plane hook it needs to be near the nose of the glider. And a tow plane's hook should not have a lot of pulling force on it but it still needs to be strong for when the line snaps tight now and then.

PS: just looked at the Omei glider. It'll be a fast flyer but it should still be able to thermal well if your skills are up to the task. But since this is a faster flying sort of glider you'll need to have a faster flying tow plane as well. Don't ask me how I know, just take my word for it... :D Otherwise it gets frustrating for the glider pilot since the glider can fly faster than the tow plane can fly while it's climbing. It gets ugly when that happens.

RE: Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

Uh, yeah. What he said. If you want to aerotow, it might work. Listen, you live in the Bay Area, which is one of the best slope soaring areas around (all due deference to the SoCal guys). Aerotowing means you gotta get your buddy out to the flying field, and you have to be a better than average pilot to stay behind the tow plane, and be used to flying at a decent distance from yourself. Slope Soaring means you get to fly close, your infrastructure needs are lower, and you can fly for hours without landing. Coyote Hills in Fremont is a good spot.

No offense intended. Give it a shot and let us know how it goes.

As to your original question, Google: Hobby Lobby and Hobby Club. They both carry acessories such as tow releases. While youre at it Google:Scale Sailplanes and Scale Soaring and check out whats involved in aerotowing. Its pretty cool.

RE: Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

http://www.iggnorge.com/default.asp?...tent=20&mnu=11
Just some suggestions. Take a look at the last tip on this page.
Welcome to the wonderful world of areo-towing :D

RE: Please show/explain glider's side tow hook release.
 

Thanks for the link, joo-.