Hong Kong Regulations

AIR NAVIGATION (HONG KONG) ORDER 1995 - SECT 38

Towing of gliders

(1) An aircraft in flight shall not tow a glider unless the certificate of
airworthiness issued or rendered valid in respect of the towing aircraft under
the law of the country in which that aircraft is registered includes an
express provision that it may be used for that purpose.

(2) The length of the combination of towing aircraft, tow rope and glider in
flight shall not exceed 150 metres.

(3) The commander of an aircraft which is about to tow a glider shall satisfy
himself, before the towing aircraft takes off-

   (a)  that the tow rope is in good condition and is of adequate strength for
        the purpose, and that the combination of towing aircraft and glider,
        having regard to its performance in the conditions to be expected on
        the intended flight and to any obstructions at the place of departure
        and on the intended route, is capable of safely taking off, reaching
        and maintaining a safe height at which to separate the combination and
        that thereafter the towing aircraft can make a safe landing at the
        place of intended destination;

   (b)  that signals have been agreed and communication established with
        persons suitably stationed so as to enable the glider to take off
        safely;

   (c)  that emergency signals have been agreed between the commander of the
        towing aircraft and the commander of the glider, to be used,
        respectively, by the commander of the towing aircraft to indicate that
        the tow should immediately be released by the glider, and by the
        commander of the glider to indicate that the tow cannot be released.

(4) The glider shall be attached to the towing aircraft by means of the tow
rope before the aircraft takes off.