Paraglider towing - Important safety information

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SAFETY NOTICE FOR THE SAFE USE OF TOW BRIDLES - Information all tow launch pilots should be aware of.

This page was developed after extensive interaction amongst tow pilots, tow technicians, Schools and Dealers. TowMeUp.com has produced and sold over 450 Split Apart Style Paraglider tow bridles in both single and tandem versions. Each of these bridles was shipped with a set of instructions in their proper usage. Some individuals may have either lost their instructions, or they were removed before the bridle was resold to them, or they may have simply misinterpreted the instructions. The following instructions apply specifically to our TowMeUp.com bridles, but the information is pertanent to users of bridles of similar construction as well. Please pay particular attention to the incorrect use of our bridles and other towing aids as shown in the examples at the bottom of this page.

The split apart style bridle is essential for those choosing to tow over water, since it allows for much easier exit from the harness in the even of a water landing than a single piece Y style bridle does. It is important that it is assembled correctly to ensure that it functions as designed. Please refer to the following photos to illustrate some key features. If you do not understand how to use this device, DO NOT GUESS. Please call us to help you understand the correct applications of this device, or contact your local instructor or tow operator for assistance!

The following photo shows both sides of the tow bridle. The upper (longer) part of the bridle has the release handle, curved pin, and closure loops attached to it. Shown on the right end of this piece is the rectangular attachment link, as well as the triangular link used to engage the tow assist mechanism. The lower (shorter) part of the bridle also has the rectangular attachment link, as well as the triangular link used to engage the tow assist mechanism shown on the right side; as well as the 6mm loop sewn into the other end. Also shown in the picture is a harness carabiner as well as a sewn weak link.

The picture above shows the end of the bridle with the rectangular attachment link and the triangular tow assist link, as well as a harness carabiner. The ends of both sides of the tow bridle are identical and attach to the harness carabiner in the same fashion as shown below.

To attach the tow bridle to the harness, insert the riser with the A lines facing away from the pilot (the speed system pulley should be facing away from the pilot) through the rectangular link. Pass the harness carabiner through both the riser loop and the loop formed underneath the rectangular link. VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY INSPECT THE GATE OF THE CARABINER TO MAKE CERTAIN IT IS CLOSED! You can then attach the speed system connector to the triangular link, even if you choose not to hook up a speed system. This is the way most beginner students will be towed with this device.

Once pilots are experienced enough to know how to safely hook up and use a speed system, the normal foot operated speed system should be attached as well. You can hook it up in either of the 2 ways shown above. The first shows the line that comes from the foot loop simply clipped into the triangular link. This is the easiest way to hook up the system, but if you require all your speed bar travel, it will limit the maximum speed available because it effectively makes the line about an inch longer on each side. The other method it to attach the speed system as you normally would, and clip the attachment into the tow assist device.

To hook the bridle to the towline, you must attach it exactly as shown in the photos above. Start by connecting both sides of the bridle together as shown in the photo on the left. Note that on the very end of the long side of the bridle that there are 2 loops. One is fatter, and longer than the other loop (In the photo above it's the blue cord). This loop is strongest and is threaded through the weak link. The remaining loop (In the photo above it's the black and pink cord) is then threaded through the other loop. The purpose of using 2 loops in this manner is to reduce the effective force on the closing pin.

Now thread the smaller loop (In the photo above it's the black and pink cord) through the bridle connecting loop exactly as shown, and pass it through the hole in the stainless steel grommet. Pull the curved pin to take all the slack out of the release line, and place it through the smaller loop (it's pink and black, remember?). Tuck the pin into the pocket so it doesn't get snagged on launch. Pull on the weak link to snug the assembly together. Ensure that you have completed your pre launch checklist and inspection prior to launch, and Have a Great Flight!

Now that you know how to assemble the tow bridle correctly, here's how to get it all wrong and attempt to complicate a really very simple device.

The following photos illustrate events that have occurred using our bridles, and some that we have seen while teaching operators how to safely run our TowMeUp.com Hydraulic Payout Winches.

Please ensure that you don't make these mistakes, and if you are an instructor, tow tech, or launch assistant please check carefully for these items as part of your prelaunch safety check. Just as a check, grab a piece of paper and cover the screen under the pictures below. Can you tell what's wrong at a glance?

It should be obvious, but apparently it's not. A split apart style bridle needs to be hooked together to function properly. Several pilots have attempted to launch WITHOUT CONNECTING THE BRIDLES TOGETHER! Naturally this makes for an interesting launch, and yes you can easily launch a pilot in this configuration in windy conditions. It gets messy when the tension is increased after launch though...

Watch how the closure loop gets routed around the release pin. Whether it's a curved pin like ours, a straight pin, or a cotter pin, We have seen it happen on all types. Now one would think that it is obvious not to hook up the release as shown in the photo on the left, yet we have seen this happen many different times. What's wrong with the photo on the right? Nothing really, except that the loops haven't been snugged up by pulling everything tight. It is possible that the cords were properly hooked up and the release pin bumped out of place under a loopy, droopy piece of cord..... ya right, we didn't buy that line either. CHECK YOUR CLOSURE PINS BEFORE LAUNCH!

This one is a little less obvious. Using a 2 or 3 string style release, you always start with the longest, strongest line going to the weak link. If you get the order backwards as shown above (please refer to the photos earlier in the page for instructions on how to get it right) the weaklink will jam between the closure loops and you will be unable to release from the towline. Typically this is not a big deal at the termination of a normal tow, since you can usually reach down, pull the release towards you, and pull the assembly apart once the line tension is reduced. In an emergency though if you have made this mistake you will be unable to release from the towline, particularly with high tension on the line. All tow pilots should carry a hook knife, and cutting the weaklink is always an option as well. Of course if you run into this situation with high tow forces, and an out of control glider, particularilly at low altitude; it may be time to consider throwing your reserve parachute. Always CHECK YOUR CLOSURE LOOPS as part of your preflight. If you're not sure you have hooked the release together properly, you should test for a proper release before launching. When in doubt STOP and FIGURE IT OUT! Do not guess on how you think the tow device should work!

Surprisingly this is a very common mistake. Be sure it doesn't happen to you! when you have the additional bulk of a tow bridle and you choose to hook it to your main hook in carabiner, it is extremely important that you PHYSICALLY INSPECT THE CARABINER GATE to ensure it is properly closed and locked. Launching with the gate open is guaranteed to increase the pucker factor during your flight!

If you are using a bridle manufactured by another supplier and simply clipping it into the side of the harness carabiner, please be advised that this is a sketchy practise at best. It side loads the biner, making it subject to failure, and worse, we have seen it rotate the main harness caribiner out of position on launch causing the riser to be loaded across the gate which is a very dangerous practise.

Another equally dangerous practise is to clip the tow bridle into the main harness carabiner loops. Most harnesses are not designed to have this loop pulled from the front, and it causes point loading of the harness stitching in this area. This brings up the possibility of blowing out the stitches that secure the harness carabiner in flight. Naturally this would cause an unintended departure from controlled flight. Many harnesses have loops sewn into them for attaching a tow bridle to, and this is a perfectly acceptable practise for experienced pilots.

If your tow bridle does not include a suitable method of attaching it to your harness, you might consider a obtaining a TowMeUp.com Split Apart Style Bridle from your School or Instructor. If they don't have one available, you can have them contact us, or order it directly from us. As an alternative, you can fashion a very good connection to the tow system as shown in the illustration below. (Illustration and attachment method courtesy of Maxim deJong).

Start with a 70 cm long pice of 6mm Perlon (Climbers Static Cord) available at any climbing shop. Tie a double grapevine knot into the cord, and girth hitch it around the clip in carabiner as shown. You can use an O ring to secure the assembly to ensure it doesn't slip. You can then attach your tow bridle into the loop formed by this piece of perlon. Novice pilots should attach this "deJong Hitch" into the top of the clip in carabiner. Experienced pilots can attach it around the base of the clip in carabiner and will have more weight shift ability during the tow.