ON THE GROUND

Print all the signals on one page. DOC file - PDF file

Check Controls
Check controls.

Open Tow Hitch
Open tow hitch.

Close Tow Hitch
Close tow hitch.

Take Up Slack
The take up slack signal is given by moving your lowered arm from side to side.
Take up slack.
Click to Animate. Use the BACK KEY to return.

Hold
While they are similar, there are two ways shown to signal a hold. The Soaring Flight Manual shows holding the arms straight out as the signal to hold, while the FAA-CT-8080-2B Computerized Testing Supplement For Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot, Figure 56, shows the hold signal as arms out with the forearms up. Either signal gets the job done, just be aware you may see one or the other.
Hold.

Figure 56

Pilot Ready, Level Wings
When the pilot is ready, he/she signals with a thumbs up.
Pilot ready, level wings.

Begin Takeoff
The pilot waggles the rudder with the wings level and the wing runner signals with a circular motion of the arm.
Begin Takeoff
Click to animate. Use the BACK KEY to return.

toa.gif - 9540 Bytes

Tow Plane Ready
When the tow plane is ready for takeoff, he/she signals with a rudder waggle.
Tow plane Ready.
Click to animate. Use the BACK KEY to return.

Stop Engine/Release Tow Rope
This signal is given by moving your hand back and forth across your throat.
Stop engine/release tow rope.
Click to animate. Use the BACK KEY to return.

On to Standard American Soaring Signals in the Air.

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