Towing of gliders

(1) An aircraft in flight shall not tow a glider unless the certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid in respect of the towing aircraft under the law of the country in which that aircraft is registered includes an express provision that it may be used for that purpose. (2) The length of the combination of towing aircraft, tow rope and glider in flight shall not exceed 500 feet. 360 Civil Aviation (3) The commander of an aircraft which is about to tow a glider shall satisfy himself, before the towing aircraft takes off– (a) that the tow rope is in good condition and is of adequate strength for the purpose, and that the combination of towing aircraft and glider is capable of flying in the manner referred to in paragraph (g) of Article 26 of this Order; (b) that signals have been agreed and communication established with persons suitably stationed so as to enable the glider to take off safely. (c) that emergency signals have been agreed between the commander of the towing aircraft and the commander of the glider, to be used, respectively, by the commander of the towing aircraft to indicate that the tow should immediately be released by the glider, and by the commander 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 tow rope before the aircraft takes off.