From left to right: Gordon, Mike, JL, Manolo, Dan, Pablo, Uwe and Jay (out of picture). The GHSA CFI Team decided on several measures to prevent kiting. Those measures will be added to our instructions.

“Kiting” is the sudden unintentionally steep climb behind the tow plane on tow that happens when the glider pilot is not paying 100% attention to maintaining the proper tow position (Tow Plane Wheels on the Horizon). Within 2-3 seconds this can lead to a very dangerous condition lifting the tow plane’s tail and forcing the towplane in a steep dive position the tow pilot is unable to recover from especially at low altitudes. Therefore glider pilots: EYES ON THE TOW PLANE AT ALL TIMES!