Originally Posted by
snapper1
Using wheel brake to prevent jerking forward and possibly over-running the rope is a useful technique especially when launching on a down slope. With a glider such as the ASW20 where wheel brake is engaged by fully opening the air brake, the glider will be seen to start the initial take-off roll with air brakes fully open - but closed and locked as soon as the combination is properly under way.
The ASW 20 I can comment on, some time ago I did maybe 200 hours or so all on aerotow, for TO the FM recommends to change flap settings on the TO roll. It was always a little bitch on the ground, C of G hook and tail skid but once airborne just sublime, then landing always had to be precise, get it right you can land on a tennis court but don't abuse those flaps. I don't think the brakes were connected to air brakes on mine there was a lever on the stick, normal TO run was downhill, the brake had to be used to prevent overrun.