Glider towing and rough field operation

StuartAberdein · #1 10-18-2005, 04:50 AM

I am thinking of buying an RV-6 or RV-7. Two questions..

1. Would an RV-6 or RV-7 be suitable for glider towing?

2. Our field is quite rough grass. How well would an RV-6 or 7 handle this. The wheels look a bit small. Can they be modified to take larger wheels?

Thanks.

Kyle Boatright · #2 10-18-2005, 05:03 AM

1) Check the FAR's on glider towing by experimentals. I seem to recall that it is prohibited.

2) The small wheels make for a rough ride on a rough field. Once upon a time, Van's prototyped mounting larger wheels, but nothing came of that...

Kahuna · #3 10-18-2005, 05:04 AM

Although it might be a suitable plane, the operating limitations specifically prohibit it by default.
You might be about to get a new set issued for specific testing purposes but I am no expert here.
Best,
Kahuna

Ann · #4 10-18-2005, 08:14 AM

Glider towing and intentional parachute jumping are specifically prohibited for amateur-built aircraft. Exceptions can be petitioned for to the local FSDO. I know of instances where parachute jumping has been approved for suitable aircraft, but I don't know of any glider towing approvals.
BTW Now that I am retired, my login shows up as "ANN" since I am logged on from the home computer. Haven't figured out how to change this yet.
Mel...DAR

McFly · #5 10-18-2005, 08:34 AM

The stall speed of the RV is 15+ mph higher than the tugs usually used. Towing at a comfortable speed for an RV would be getting towards the upper end of the envelope for most Schweitzers and other ships with low L/D.

Also I would not subject my RV to the punishment of a rough field on a daily a basis eigher.

Pawnees seem to be going for a song and would be much better suited for your mission. Good luck.

hngrflyr · #6 10-18-2005, 12:46 PM

Another consideration in towing gliders is, at glider towing speed you're not getting enough cooling air through the engine to properly cool it. This past summer, I tried flying our RV-6 across the Cascade Range in Oregon along side a couple of friends who were flying an N3N and the other in a Stearman. I couldn't keep the cylinder head temp out of the red without speeding up and getting some air going through it. It was a warm morning, about 75 degrees at 8000 ft.

Bob Severns

rrrob · #7 10-18-2005, 01:04 PM

I have considerabel experience towing and agree with the above posts. You would need something like a Bearhawk for the type of operation you suggest, or a Murphy Rebel or Moose if you wanted metal.

rrrob

gmcjetpilot · #8 10-18-2005, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrrob

I have considerabel experience towing and agree with the above posts. You would need something like a Bearhawk for the type of operation you suggest, or a Murphy Rebel or Moose if you wanted metal.

rrrob

rrob I think you missed experimental aircraft are not allowed to do glider tow / jump plane Ops, Bearhawk, Moose or RV, regardless. G

StuartAberdein · #9 10-19-2005, 12:07 AM

Thanks to all of you for your input. I live in South Africa and there is no prohibition on glider towing for homebuilts here. Quite a few people do it, mainly with the East European Rotax-powered ultralights and it seems to work well. I know it is OKed in Germany too. However what people say about the stalling speed being too high makes sense so I will have to think again. Thanks.

N941WR · #10 10-19-2005, 05:54 AM

Stuart,

There is always the -9 series. The lower stall speed and 160 hp engine w/ CS prop should work fine. The cooling might be an issue but you can fix that easily enough.

I know of at least one RV-4 in Germany that is used for glider towing so...

Before someone asks, the German who built the RV-4RG uses his stiff legged -4 for as a glider tug.