In aerotow operations, which tow hook configuration is associated with the glider pitching up during aerotow?

In aerotow operations, which tow hook configuration is associated with the glider pitching up during aerotow?

• A. CG hook
• B. Nose hook
• C. Both hooks equally
• D. Neither hook affects pitch

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how the location of the tow load relative to the glider’s center of gravity creates a pitching moment. When the tow rope is attached to the center-of-gravity hook, the pull acts in a way that tends to rotate the glider’s nose upward as the tow plane gains speed and the rope angle changes. That nose‑up tendency is something pilots have to counter with elevator input during aerotow. If the rope were attached at the nose, the moment would be different and the nose‑up tendency isn’t produced in the same way. Therefore, the CG hook configuration is the one associated with the glider pitching up during aerotow.

The key idea is how the location of the tow load relative to the glider’s center of gravity creates a pitching moment. When the tow rope is attached to the center-of-gravity hook, the pull acts in a way that tends to rotate the glider’s nose upward as the tow plane gains speed and the rope angle changes. That nose‑up tendency is something pilots have to counter with elevator input during aerotow. If the rope were attached at the nose, the moment would be different and the nose‑up tendency isn’t produced in the same way. Therefore, the CG hook configuration is the one associated with the glider pitching up during aerotow.