Glider Towing

maniac779 · Post by **maniac779** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:47 am

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this. I've been towing at a gliding club this summer on a PA-25-235 and a 7GCBC.

I'm curious as to what the opinions are out there as to wheather this is good as just ink in my logbook, or is it something that is looked upon favourably, if at all, by employers when I start the job hunt.

Cheers

Kurwa · Post by **Kurwa** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:50 am

It's time in your log book right? Unless you're walking away from it to fly something else...keep on towing.

just curious · Post by **just curious** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:51 am

It's PIC for one thing- How many people can you fit in a Pawnee?
And it's tail-wheel time, which while not dificult if you've done it, is perceived as tougher than tricycle time.
At the end of the day, it's hours in the book. Oh, and at the end of the day, over a cold beer, if you ask around the club. you're apt to find the glider drivers are often senior guys from companies that operate "powered machines"

Panama Jack · Post by **Panama Jack** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:14 am

My first bunch of hours came in that form. My career has progressed, so it wasn't in vain.

hz2p · Post by **hz2p** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 10:06 am

There is nothing wrong with towing gliders or jumper dumping. If you had 3,000 hours of it, it might be a bit frowned upon, because it's all local VFR, and after a while you might want to think about logging some cross-country and instrument time.

The good thing about towing gliders and jumper dumping is that your hands are on the controls all the time, which isn't the case with instructing.

Just remember, there are no such thing as "bad hours" in your logbook. After a while, how you got your first 1,000 hours matters less and less.

Inverted2 · Post by **Inverted2** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 7:03 pm

Hell of a lot better than right seat time instructing in a 172. Tailwheel time is good in any logbook!

Phlyer · Post by **Phlyer** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:24 pm

Many years ago I got offered a "job" towing gliders for no pay. I turned it down as I was full of morals then (full of a lot of other things now).
I would probably do the same if I was doing it over again today, but that's me. Instead I instructed for almost no pay.

If you can get by - it's time. I have met many experienced pilots who all say to really enjoy what you're doing as you build time - flying big planes is boring. Also PIC time is most valuable as you generally need at least 1000 PIC to go left seat in the big planes.
If you're starting out and you're flying consistently you are doing a lot better than a lot of other low timers.

Foto

shleb · Post by **shleb** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 5:42 pm

Its how I got my break.

Towing gliders will always provide your with PIC time, tailwheel time, and not to mention many many takeoffs and landings which will sharpen anybody's hands and feet. In addition, it will teach you things about weather that most dont know or are oblivious to.

Another plus is that the pilots are always provided with beer by day end. I was at least!

shleb

ScudRunner · Post by **ScudRunner** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 1:29 pm

Whats a 7GCBC? Thats not the stage weight of Rita McNeil on a CBC special is it.

Shleb - ah yes the eastern Europe Ale

Towing gliders is how many got their start and its a good one at that. just dont get too much two time, make space for the next guy coming up, keep the cycle going.

W5 · Post by W5 » Mon Aug 16, 2004 4:39 pm

Vaguely remember it being a Citabria (150hp?); can't distinguish anymore between the Scout or the Decathlon. Too long ago.

Pugster · Post by **Pugster** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 4:57 pm

Scout's the 8-GCBC...got some of that time in my book - still one of my favorites.

And if I remember correctly Rita McNeil has been barred from stage on CBC ever since cutting weed while singing "Coal Miner's Daughter" with Ricky, Julien and Bubbles.

Long live Steve French!