Check Controls
Open Tow Hitch
Close Tow Hitch
Take Up Slack
The take up slack signal is given by moving your lowered arm from side to side.
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.
Pilot Ready, Level Wings
When the pilot is ready, he/she signals with a thumbs up.
Begin Takeoff
The pilot waggles the rudder with the wings level and the wing runner signals with a circular motion of the arm.
Click to animate. Use the BACK KEY to return.
Tow Plane Ready
When the tow plane is ready for takeoff, he/she signals with a rudder waggle.
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.
Click to animate. Use the BACK KEY to return.
On to Standard American Soaring Signals in the Air.