How does a pilot recover from a lockout?
The best way is to avoid entering one, but secondarily, the pilot may release from tow, or the tow operator may reduce tension to allow the pilot to take corrective action. A glider is only truly ‘locked out’ when it is banked away relative to the altered gravity vector of the towline. A glider can be banked away relative to the ground, but still be banked ‘in’ relative to the rope. So, sometimes it is actually better to stay on the rope. Only good instruction can help you know which situation you are in.
The best way is to avoid entering one, but secondarily, the pilot may release from tow, or the tow operator may reduce tension to allow the pilot to take corrective action. (hang glider and paraglider) Back to top 5.U.What if the pilot is in a lockout or other trouble situation and the release fails? A pilot should fly with a hook knife. The winch operator or observer, if there is one, should also have a hook knife to cut the towline in an emergency.
