Which statement is true regarding glider tow hooks?

Which statement is true regarding glider tow hooks?

• A. Using a CG hook for aerotows would cause a glider to pitch up.
• B. A CG hook eliminates pitch changes during aerotow.
• C. Tow hooks have no effect on pitch attitude.
• D. Nose hooks always cause pitch up during aerotow.

Answer: (A)

When towing a glider, the line of pull from the tow plane creates a pitching moment about the glider’s center of gravity. The vertical position of the tow hook determines the direction of that moment. A CG hook is located below the center of gravity, so the horizontal pull of the tow line acts below the CG. This produces a nose-up pitching moment, causing the glider to pitch up during aerotow. That’s why using a CG hook tends to make the nose rise as you start the tow. In contrast, hooks placed at other locations (like a nose hook) change the moment arm differently, and you can get different pitch responses rather than a guaranteed pitch-up only. Tow hooks do change pitch attitude; they’re not neutral. And stating that nose hooks always cause pitch up oversimplifies the effect of hook position on the towing moment.

When towing a glider, the line of pull from the tow plane creates a pitching moment about the glider’s center of gravity. The vertical position of the tow hook determines the direction of that moment.

A CG hook is located below the center of gravity, so the horizontal pull of the tow line acts below the CG. This produces a nose-up pitching moment, causing the glider to pitch up during aerotow. That’s why using a CG hook tends to make the nose rise as you start the tow.

In contrast, hooks placed at other locations (like a nose hook) change the moment arm differently, and you can get different pitch responses rather than a guaranteed pitch-up only. Tow hooks do change pitch attitude; they’re not neutral. And stating that nose hooks always cause pitch up oversimplifies the effect of hook position on the towing moment.