Conversion Course to Aerotow for existing Tow rated pilots

Number of days

• May vary between our different training locations
• Please check our schedule for more detail

Prerequisites

• Be a current Full Flying Member of the BHPA
• BHPA Pilot Certificate
• Minimum 50 hrs logged airtime or 100 tow launches since gaining BHPA CPC Rating
• Your own glider (suitable for aerotowing)
• Harness fitted with approved chest release (Lejair can supply)
  

Note - Low Airtime Pilots - If you have a lower rating and/or less airtime than is listed above, you may still be able to learn to aerotow. Whilst all the tasks listed above still apply, it is considered that low airtime pilots do not have the experience of a rated 'Pilot'. We therefore take a more precautionary approach to ensure we do not allow a student to inadvertently exceed their level of expertise and possibly put the themselves,and/or the tug, in jeopardy. As such this route involves additional training, more time and greater cost. If you are not tow rated you will need a winch tow endorsement before continuing on to begin aerotowing.
If the above applies to you, please contact us for further details.

What you need to bring with you

• Water to drink and food to eat for each day of your course.
• Log book(s)
• Association membership
• Additionally, if abroad abroad, Passport, Driving Licence, Accident insurance including repatriation, National insurance no E111 available from your post office.

The tasks you will need to complete

• Carry out 8 to 10 aerotow launches so as to accummulate a total height gain of not less than 13000ft
• Demonstrate your ability to remain correctly positioned, with respect to the tug aircraft, during all phases of a tow
• Demonstrate your ability to remain correctly positioned, with respect to the tug aircraft, whilst the tug carries out figure of 8 climbing turns.
• Demonstrate your ability to remain correctly positioned, with respect to the tug aircraft, whilst being towed in thermic conditions
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of emergency procedures
• Pass the required examination (20 question paper)

Priviledges you will enjoy on obtaining this certificate/rating

• You will be able to join any BHPA recognised aerotow group and take part in aerotowing activities
• Bear in mind that if you have obtained an aerotow endorsement on a 'Low Airtime' scheme with a school you do need to obtain a BHPA Pilot Certificate before you fly cross country.

The next steps

• Find a suitable aerotow syndicate to join
• Go aerotowing