Techniques for maintaining vertical positioning on aerotow
My usual "technique" for maintaining position on aerotow easing the stick forward or back to maintain vertical position as best as possible. In the case when the tug is descending relative to me, this can result in a slight bow in the rope as I ease forward which, once stabilised, I'll try and ease out without it snatching too much.
On a recent foray, I was in position when the tug started descending. Despite easing the stick forward, the tug continued to descend more than I was comfortable with. I therefore eased the stick forward some more, gaining airspeed and resulting in a significant bow. Deciding this was beyond my ability to deal with, I ditched the launch at 750ft and returned to the airfield.
In post-flight debrief with the DI, it was suggested that one possibility is to briefly crack the airbrakes. However, I also spoke to the tuggie and he had nothing to report other than I just disappeared, so I suspect the sink wasn't so severe to warrant that, although it's useful to know. My suspicion is that actually I need to improve my aerotow technique, or possibly I just over-reacted to the position (or a bit of both).
I intend to have a chat with an instructor and take a check aerotow next time I'm at the club, but in the mean time, do any of you fine ladies and gentlemen have any suggestions? I tried the BGA safe aerotowing guide, but it doesn't seem to cover general technique.