plane. As a rule of thumb, use of a 200-foot tow line would  require the glider to climb to over 20 feet above the altitude  of the tow plane to present a danger of upset. If at any time the nose of the tow plane is pulled uncontrollably  by the glider to a dangerously high or low pitch attitude— PULL THE RELEASE. If a Schweizer tow hitch is being used, it may be possible  for the release mechanism to become jammed due to the  excessively high position of the glider. Since the glider is lower than the tow plane, it lands first. The  glider should not apply brakes until the tow plane has touched  down. After touchdown, apply brakes gently or not at all,  slowly coming to a stop. Remember, most glider brakes are  not that effective, so allow the glider plenty of runway to stop. While not well defined in soaring literature, some glider  pilots are taught to attempt to break the tow rope rather  than land behind the tow plane. If the glider does attempt  to break the rope, maintain the tow plane in a straight and  level attitude in an attempt to reduce the total gravity forces  of the glider’s maneuver.  You may notice the glider has a problem that is obviously  not being detected by the glider pilot. The most common is  the failure of the glider pilot to close and lock the glider’s  spoilers/airbrakes prior to takeoff, resulting in an inadvertent  undetected deployment of spoilers as the glider accelerates  during takeoff. If you notice a problem with the glider, inform  the glider pilot via radio and visual signal. The visual signal  for “Glider Problem” is waggling the rudder while airborne. If the pilot of the glider is unable to release, the tow pilot  should be informed by means of the aircraft radio or by the  following airborne signal. The glider will move out to the left  side of the towplane and rock its wings.  [Figure 12-17]  Be  sure not to mistake the wing rock as the beginning of a normal  release. Wait a few seconds to ensure the glider’s wings are  rocking. Once the tow pilot has determined the glider cannot  release the tow plane should return to the airfield and release  the glider at a safe altitude over the field. This situation requires immediate action by the pilot of the  glider. Should the tow pilot rock the wings of the tow plane,  the pilot of the glider must release immediately. Obviously,  this would be appropriate during a time critical tow plane  emergency, such as engine-failure or fire.  [Figure 12-18] Glider Problem Glider Release Failure Airborne Emergencies  Immediate Release Neither the Tow Plane or Glider Can Release Glider cannot release Glider moves to left side of towplane and rocks wings Glider: Release immediately Towplane rocks wings Figure 12-18.  The towplane is telling the glider to release  immediately. Figure 12-17.  Glider release failure.  This is an extremely rare event. Although as improbable as  this situation may be, you must be prepared. The pilot of the  tow plane should inform the pilot of the glider by aircraft  radio or airborne signal. The signal is accomplished by  yawing the tail of the tow plane. The glider should move to the low tow position. Then the  tow plane should begin a slow descent toward an airfield of  suitable length. Fly a wide pattern ending up on an extended  final approach. Set up a very stabilized and gradual (200–300  foot per minute (fpm)) descent. Plan on landing long and  allowing sufficient altitude while on short final for the glider  to avoid approach obstacles.  12-12