Check controls Open towhook Close towhook Raise wingtip to  level position Take up slack Hold Begin takeoff Stop operation immediately Release towline or cut towline now Stop Thumb moves through circle Arm moves slowly back and forth through arc Arms straight out and held steady Arm makes rapid circles Waves arms Draws arm across throat Figure 7-1.  Aerotow prelaunch signals. As gliders got heavier and  better, pilots began to look for  improved ways to launch. It was not long before enthusiasts  began to use cars to pull shock cords and then to pull the  gliders by the long wire or rope. Once again, improvements  in technology and equipment  were introduced and powered  winches and airplane towing became the preferred method  of launching gliders. Launching a nonpowered glider requires the use of visual  signals for communication and coordination between the  glider, towing aircraft, and the ground crew. Ground launching  signals consist of prelaunch signals and in-flight signals. Aerotow prelaunch signals facilitate communication between  pilots and launch crewmembers/wing runners preparing for  the launch. These signals are shown in  Figure 7-1 . This chapter discusses several  glider launch techniques and  procedures along with takeoff  procedures, traffic patterns,  flight maneuvers, and landing and recovery procedures.  Additional information may be  found at the Soaring Society  of America (SSA) website at  www.ssa.org and the Soaring  Safety Foundation website at www.soaringsafety.org. Aerotow Takeoff Procedures Signals Prelaunch Signals 7-2