Freelance glider tow plane ower/pilot- is this viable?

[UFO-flying-Airbus]

Hello all,

I’m hoping to hear the views of anyone one here that might have some experience in owing/operating their own tow plane (in the UK primarily but anywhere in Western Europe really. I'm based in Southern Ireland).

I am very strongly considering buying a 100HP Rotax 912 powered light aircraft complete with tow hook in the near future.
This will be primarily used for recreational touring but I was also wondering whether or not there might be hire for it, on occasion, as a glider tow plane on a freelance basis?

I am a glider pilot with a Silver 'C' endorsement. I see on the British Gliding Website that there are close to 30 gliding competitions in 2016 in the UK.

This would only be part time as I’m a First Officer on the Airbus in Asia working a commuting (6 weeks on/3 weeks off) contract. I have a UK EASA ATPL so flying for ‘hire and reward’ shouldn’t be an issue if I’m not mistaken.

So, with that in mind, what might the economics of such an enterprise look like? I’ve read that aerotows cost 35-45 GBP(?) Presumably a visiting tow pilot would have to undercut that figure considerably in order to make it attractive to the airfield operator to generate a profit for their operation.

I’d be very interested to hear from anyone who might happen to have any knowledge of this. What legal issues are there, if any? For example is it necessary to register a company in order to invoice for services rendered? Any Insurance considerations?

But perhaps the most fundamentally important question I should first ask is this; Is there any possibility of making any inroads into this field?

Best regards,

John.

[mary meagher]

Hello hopeful tug owner...In 1987 I imported a 150 PA18, fitted it with a hook, but it was not considered beefy enough to usefully tow big gliders full of water. Still was very useful at the small club, however the winch was usually cheaper than an airtow. You won't make money running a tug, but you can have fun. 100 hp sounds pretty feeble to me, the best tug is a Pawnee with a 240 hp Lycoming. That will always be welcome towing in a competition, though until you gain experience they may prefer a more practiced tug pilot to fly it .

Gliding clubs don't always own their own airfield...but some do.

Anyway, have fun tugging. It is best done in your home club.

Mary Meagher

[POBJOY]

Tow Plane

Has to be the PA 25 235.** The bonus is it's great fun to operate.
Will cope with anything needing a tow and gives great acceleration at the start which is most safe for a heavy glider.
If they don't want to pay what it costs to run tell them to get their own tug.


**Even with spray gear its good and without it fantastic.
Lots around in Spain as they have an issue with banner towing with engines over 12 years old.

[Piltdown Man]

I'm sure the world has moved on since I was gliding and towing in the early '90s. This means that 180HP will be the minimum to tow with plus the ability to the climb well at 60-65kts. Anything less and you will not be up to the task, especially in a competition. Furthermore, unless you are at a big club, you might find work scarce to come by and even at a bigger club, they'll prefer to use their own first. However, the vintage mob might appreciate your attendance. Slow, gentle and quiet is what they prefer.

PM

[UFO-flying-Airbus]

Thanks for all your replies. Much appreciated.

Piltdown Man- yes, the vintage club might indeed be an idea.

Meldex- I also am of the understanding that Rotax-engined light aircraft are becoming quite popular. Perhaps only for towing single-seaters though.