The Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2007

Towing of gliders

79.—(1) An aircraft in flight shall not tow a glider unless the flight manual for the aircraft includes an express provision that it may be used for that purpose.

(2) The length of the combination of towing aircraft, towrope and glider in flight shall not exceed 150 metres.

(3) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft which is about to tow a glider shall satisfy himself, before the towing aircraft takes off that—

(a) the towrope is in good condition and is of adequate strength for the purpose, and that the combination of towing aircraft and glider, having regard to its performance in the conditions to be expected on the intended flight and to any obstructions at the place of departure and on the intended route, is capable of safely taking off, reaching and maintaining a safe height at which to separate the combination and that thereafter the towing aircraft can make a safe landing at the place of intended destination;

(b) signals have been agreed and communication established with persons suitably stationed so as to enable the glider to take off safely; and

(c) emergency signals have been agreed between the pilot-in-command of the towing aircraft and the pilot-in-command of the glider, to be used, respectively, by the pilot-in-command of the towing aircraft to indicate that the tow should immediately be released by the glider, and by the pilot-in-command of the glider to indicate that the tow cannot be released.

(4) The glider shall be attached to the towing aircraft by means of the towrope before the aircraft takes off.