AEROPRAKT-22LS Pilot Operating Handbook
A22LS-POH-04
60
10.10 Glider and banner towing
10.10.1 General
A-22LS airplane can be optionally equipped with E 85 tow release manufactured by Tost
Flugzeuggerätebau company (
) for towing of gliders or banners.
The tow release is attached to the tail fuselage on a special fitting. The tow release can be
actuated by pulling the tow release handle (located near the flap extension lever) connected
to the tow release lever with a control cable.
10.10.2 Operating information and limitations
10.10.2.1 Maximum take-off mass of the airplane
The mass of the airplane used for towing may not exceed 500 kg in order to comply with
the minimum rate of climb of aero tow.
Glider towing must be performed with only one pilot in the tow plane!
10.10.2.2 Maximum take-off mass of the towed glider
The maximum take-off mass of the towed glider is limited by 700 kg.
10.10.2.3 Towing rope and weak link
Only tow ropes certified according to airworthiness codes, industrial codes or
manufacturing codes, if furnishing enough information, must be used if constant quality
is guaranteed. The cable connections should be protected by appropriate covers. The
ultimate cable load must not be more than the cable load declared by the aircraft
manufacturer. For cable with higher ultimate loads a weak link corresponding to the limit
load of the aircraft and the towed glider must be used. The strength of the weak link
should not be less than 300 daN, and may not exceed 450 daN. Towing rope length
should be from 40 to 60 m.
A clearly visible placard
“Maximum weak link strength: 450daN” must be placed near the
tow release.
10.10.2.4 Aero towing speeds
The best climb speed is equal to 120 km/h.
Aero towing speed may not be greater than the maximum permitted towing speed for the
towed glider.
“Observe Tow Speed” placard must be placed next to the airspeed indicator.
10.10.2.5 Take-off distance and climb rate
The take-off distance to 15 m does not exceed 600 m in the following conditions:
- dry, even, short-cut grass strip;
- standard atmospheric conditions;
- flaps extended to 10°;
- glider with take-off mass not exceeding 700 kg.
Glider type
Glider TO
mass, kg
TO distance to
15 m height, m
Best climb speed,
km/h IAS
Climb rate,
m/s
Time of climb to
360 m height
Ventus 2
376
393
100…125
2.43
4 min 16 sec
Duo discus
700
796
1.57
5 min 15 sec
