RV for towing gliders?

Maxu · Post by **Maxu** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:03 pm

Hi,

I´m neither an RV-builder, nor am I lucky enough to fly one....!
However, I curious if anybody here (or somewhere else) has ever seriously considered using an RV for towing gliders (or banners for that matter)?

Regards,
Markus

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:07 pm

The role for RV's is primarily sport touring, however I am sure the ship would make a fine tow truck. It has plenty of hp and a reasonable stall speed for the job. It also wouldn't be that hard to outfit a tailhook on the plane.

I say that if it struck my fancy, I would do it.

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:36 pm

Hmm, I wonder if you might have to beef up the tail cone structure though. The tail might not be strong enough to endure that much drag without some assistance.

maverick · Post by **maverick** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:02 pm

I'd double check the regs or w/FAA if there are any limitations given that it's an experimental aircraft. I seem to remember that you can't tow with a non-certified plane. Nor can you charge money for anything if you're using an experimental plane (other than transition training).

Max

Maxu · Post by **Maxu** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:10 am

I totally agree that (major) modifications must be done to the airframe, but the nature of my question was even more generic...

Also the regs need to be checked out thoroughly, however I have seen an N-registered Experimental (a Pitts S1S) with a tow-hook fitted here in Germany if I´m not completely mistaken.

I share CJs perception that originially the RV series is intended for touring/light aerobatics, but does have the right genes to make up for a nice glider-tug. It has good visibility, good climb performance and low stall speed. Unfortunatley going up fast is only half of the job and with the slippery airframe descending as fast as possible without doing harm to the engine would be another task to address (anybody seen speedbrakes on an RV yet?)!

Markus