Step-towing is a technique used to gain altitude beyond what the tow rig would otherwise be able to tow a pilot to in a given area. Once you have reached the normal release point you will turn and run downwind with the line which is paid-out by the Tow-Op. At some point you will turn back toward the line and be towed again to a new altitude. There are some added risks with this method and should not be used by inexperienced pilots or Tow-Ops. If the tow line snags on the ground or a pulley, the spool locks up, or the Tow-Op doesn’t coordinate the turn causing the line to tension while you are on the downwind leg, the result will be the same as overflying the tow rig.
Section Number
7