AMC1 SFCL.205 Sailplane towing and banner towing rating

• ED Decision 2020/004/R found in: Sailplane Rule Book - Part-SAO Part-SFCL CS-22 (Nov 2022)

AMC1 SFCL.205 Sailplane towing and banner towing rating ED Decision 2020/004/R TRAINING FOR THE SAILPLANE TOWING AND BANNER TOWING RATING (a) General The aim of the towing instruction is to qualify SPL holders with TMG privileges to tow a sailplane or a banner. The theoretical knowledge and flight instruction should cover the relevant elements as set out in this AMC. (b) Theoretical knowledge: towing of sailplanes The theoretical knowledge syllabus for towing of sailplanes should cover the revision or explanation of: (1) regulations about towing flights; (2) equipment for the towing activity; (3) sailplane towing techniques, including: (i) signals and communication procedures; (ii) take-off (normal and crosswind); (iii) in-flight launch procedures; (iv) descending on tow; (v) sailplane release procedure; (vi) tow rope release procedure; (vii) landing with tow rope connected (if applicable); (viii) emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions; (ix) safety procedures; (x) flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing sailplanes; (xi) look-out and collision avoidance; (xii) performance data sailplanes, including: (A) suitable speeds; and (B) stall characteristics in turns; (xiii) effects of wake turbulence and downwash on the towed sailplane’s performance, handling characteristics and stall speed; and (xiv) effects of propeller wash in the initial phase of the take-off roll at crosswind. (c) Theoretical knowledge: banner towing The theoretical knowledge syllabus for banner towing should cover the revision or explanation of: (1) regulations about banner towing; (2) equipment for the banner towing activity; (3) ground crew coordination; (4) pre-flight procedures; (5) banner towing techniques, including: (i) take-off launch; (ii) banner pickup manoeuvres; (iii) flying with a banner in tow; (iv) release procedure; (v) landing with a banner in tow (if applicable); (vi) emergency procedures during tow, including equipment malfunctions; (vii) safety procedures; (viii) flight performance of the applicable aircraft type when towing a heavy or light banner; and (ix) prevention of stall during towing operations. (d) Flying training: towing of sailplanes The exercises of the towing training syllabus for towing sailplanes should be repeated as necessary until the student achieves a safe and competent standard and should comprise at least the following practical training items: (1) take-off procedures (normal and crosswind take-offs); (2) 360 ° circles on tow with a bank of 30 ° and more; (3) descending on tow; (4) release procedure of the sailplane; (5) landing with the tow rope connected (if applicable); (6) tow rope release procedure in-flight; (7) emergency procedures (simulation); and (8) signals and communication during tow. (e) Flying training: banner towing The exercises of the towing training syllabus for banner towing should be repeated as necessary until the student achieves a safe and competent standard and should comprise at least the following practical training items: (1) pickup manoeuvres; (2) towing in-flight techniques; (3) release procedures; (4) flight at critically low air speeds; (5) maximum performance manoeuvres; (6) emergency manoeuvres to include equipment malfunctions (simulated); (7) specific banner towing safety procedures; (8) go-around with the banner connected; and (9) loss of engine power with the banner attached (simulated).