Glider Tug Flying Opportunities

[youngman1]

Hello

I am looking for any gliding clubs in the south of England with a requirement for a glider tug pilot either now or in the near future.

I understand that tug flying hours are highly sought after among hours builders and chances are few and far between, but if you don't ask...

I have previous gliding experience having been a B category instructor at an ATC VGS. Although mainly instructing experience, i do also have some single seater cross country time.

I am a low hour PPl and have good tail dragger experience having trained in a Pitts S2C and currently flying a single seat Pitts S1. I'm also at home with nose wheel aircraft.

I would be happy to wait until next season if too late for this year, and can spend time on retrieve, winching etc.

If anyone knows of any positions please feel free to PM or post below.

Many Thanks

[Wodka]

Too late this year. Approach Booker GC around Nov. for next years season. Your previous exp. will place you in a good place imo

[BaronVonBarnstormer]

Occasionally adverts crop up on Glider Pilot Network > Classified Adverts (http://adverts.gliderpilot.net/) under Jobs.

[India Four Two]

ym1,

Good luck. I'm sure your experience will stand you in good stead and will put you high on the list of potential tug pilots at any club.

In particular, they will like your gliding experience. I have often been towed by new tug pilots with no glider time and it is remarkable how they will allow a thermal to lift a wing and turn them away from the lift!

Just remember that your tug will have next to no performance. A big difference from a Pitts!

[Broadlands]

To tag on to this thread, does anyone know of an ATO that provides training for the towing rating?

I have been asked to potentially help out but none of the gliding clubs I belong to are ATOs. I hold a EASA FE/FI and also a gliding instructor certificate etc.

CAP804 states the requirements to put the rating on but the list of ATOs on the CAA website does not list anyone doing the rating. The BGA website adivses on conversions for UK National licence holders.

Any ideas?

[Prop swinger]

We're still in transition so there's still no requirement to have a tow rating either to tow or to teach towing, even on an EASA licence. Any qualifications gained under the old system can be converted to the EASA equivalent.

So you can still get tow training at a non-ATO BGA club, with the club's approval you can then teach others how to tow. CAA conversion guidance here (http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=2685&pagetype=65&appid=54&mode=detail&appproc=38) (still refers to 2015, read as 2018.) I'd suggest an email to the BGA office to find out how to convert teaching to tow experience into an EASA qualification.

[mary meagher]

youngman, I sent you a pm last night...get in touch with me at Shenington Gliding Club. You can call the office there Monday through Friday, 9 to 2 pm.

[Broadlands]

Mary
I didn't get the message but will call today when not flying.

Prop swinger
Although there are routes for previous tug pilots, my licence is an EASA and I have never tugged. Although I keep hearing that it can be done, the recent 804 release does not mention this. PLD at Gatwick are so busy that they are not much help, just refer you back to 804.
I will contact the BGA though - and Mary!

I just realised Mary you were addressing young man, sorry! Flattered and thought I was being called a Youngman. I'll live in hope.

[mary meagher]

Don't despair, Broadlands....relative to me you are without doubt a young man!

Its just possible we may be able to help out...give Carole in the Shenington office a call between 9 and 2 weekdays....and visit us soon.

Mary

[kestrel539]

Broadlands,

On the back of your EASA license, get a NPPL(A).
That will cover you for flying a UK tug.
Then get trained by the club you are going to fly at.
Should do you until 2018 at least.

Cheers

[Prop swinger]

Broadlands,

CAP804, Section 4, Part P, p44 deals with conversion of tow ratings. It clearly states that tow qualifications gained before 8 April '18 can added to existing EASA licences. Read the next bit, starting on p46 for adding a tow instructor rating.

The legal requirement to hold an EASA tow rating to tow gliders was deferred until April 2018. You can use your EASA (A) licence to tow gliders & to teach other pilots to tow, even if you don't yet hold an EASA tow rating.



Kestrel539,

Why, oh why, would anyone faff around & spend money getting a whole new licence to do something their current licence already allows them to do?

[Scoobster]

I enquired about this last year as a new EASA PPL without any form of rating but didn't get very far.

I would also be interested in any glider towing opportunities in and around the South East..

Does anyone know how to stand myself in better stead or of any opportunities around the South East/Essex?

Would be willing to add Taildragger rating as necessary.

Scoobster.