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02-29-2012, 04:45 AM
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Germany
Posts: 21
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Aerotow
I am a glider pilot building an RV-8 and planning to install an aero tow equipment to tow our glider. Does anybody of you tows gliders with his RV-8 and has experience and ideas how to install the tow equipment? 
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02-29-2012, 05:31 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 359
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Call Vans. I'm pretty sure they've done this with their 9A.
I would think the 8 would be a little on the fast side. I normally climb out at 100 knots. You would prefer 70 or 80 max aerotow. The 8 isn't going to like to cool at those speeds.
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David Edgemon
RV-9A N42DE
RV-8 N48DE
whats next ??
Track me!
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02-29-2012, 07:37 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 40
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I am also a glider pilot along with towing for our local glider club.
Unfortunately the standard wording in the FAAs flight limitations does not allow glider towing with amateur built experimentals.
FAA Order 8130.2G Sec. 4104(20) "This aircraft must not be used for glider towing, banner towing, or intentional parachute jumping"
If someone can convince their local FSDO otherwise it would be great.
Stan Blanton
Lubbock, TX
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02-29-2012, 07:46 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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These limitations CAN be changed by a "cooperative" FSDO.
I have sold an aircraft to a skydiver who got the "intentional parachute jumping" limitation removed by demonstrating that he could successfully jump from the aircraft.
__________________
Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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02-29-2012, 08:33 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Norwich England
Posts: 155
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Towing
RV8 G-ZUMI had a tow hook on it, if my memory serves me correctly. It was built by the silence twister agent in the UK who also repairs gliders for a living.
www.zuluglasstek.co.uk
Happy Flying
Rob
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02-29-2012, 04:13 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sweden, 67" North
Posts: 68
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My dad used to tow myself with his 150HP RV-4. Worked really well when towing modern plastic gliders, it was a bit to fast for old Bergfalkes and similar... It was actually a better (faster to heights) tow plane than the purpouse built Finnish PIK-23
/Dennis
One more pic

__________________
Dennis Isaksson
G?llivare, Sweden
Grew up with an RV-4, SE-XIO
Now: RV-8, Showplanes Fastback. #83218 Under construction, SE-XXO
Engine and avionic installation in progress
Last edited by Dennis_I : 02-29-2012 at 05:18 PM.
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02-29-2012, 04:48 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ashland, OR
Posts: 2,574
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low aspect ratio wings and towing
So, yes, I believe it is possible to get an administrator waver to the operating limitations. I think Van might have done this on an RV-4.
But low aspect ratio wings make lousy tow planes. Because they have high induced drag, they need to fly fast. Setting aside the cooling question, which may also be a valid concern, you better plan on aerotowing at 90 kts.
Below 80 kts, the climb rate is going to be pretty poor.
I'm a glider pilot (LS-6) and a tow pilot. I think I'd rather be towed in a C-150 than an RV-8. (the c-150 with 150 hp STC is not a bad towplane, actually)
__________________
Steve Smith
Aeronautical Engineer
RV-8 N825RV
IO-360 A1A
WW 200RV
"The Magic Carpet"
Hobbs 625
LS6-15/18W sailplane SOLD
bought my old LS6-A back!! 
VAF donation Jan 2020
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03-01-2012, 03:25 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Posts: 182
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Too fast
I agree with Steve. RVs are too fast for towing. My glider's POH sets the maximum permissable speed on aerotow to 73 kts. I have done long retrieval tows at those speeds (and up to ~80 kts), and it wasn't fun.
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Hendrik
Club-Libelle: flying
RV-8: on hold (new job  , new home  , no workshop (yet)  )
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03-01-2012, 03:51 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: McMinnville, Oregon: HOME of the SPRUCE GOOSE
Posts: 540
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RV Glider tow
It appears the RV9 could meet the glider tow parameters best.
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Tailwinds...
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo Da Vinci
Working on a RV-4
Citabria 7GCBC
Cessna 180
RV7 I0-360 C/S, Slider, AP, Glass, etc. sold.
RV6 O-320 F/P, Slider, AP, Steam, etc., sold
Citabria 7KCAB rental
Piper Cherokee, sold
Sparrowhawk, sold
Proud -VAF- Supporter - Exempt, Dues Paid Anyway.
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03-01-2012, 06:47 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Taylorsville, GA
Posts: 748
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Cooling
The cylinder heads aren't going to like it much. They heat up quick in a full power climb even at "normal" climb speeds.
You really need to be able to tow at around 60 kts.
I've wondered if an RV-12 and a light glider might make a good combo.
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Jeff Rhodes - Taylorsville, GA
RV-9, 7 - going fast
BC-12D - going slow
jrhodes@v1salesmgt.com
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