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. Knowing this, you can see why the thickest loop holds the weak link, since it has to carry a load about twice as strong as the next loop.

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, with virtually all types of tow bridles..

See anything wrong with the above photo on the left? Obviously the head of the pin goes entirely through the release loop which will make it very difficult to release from the tow by simply lightly pulling the release handle. A prudent tow pilot will do a quick survey of all their equipment right after launch, ensuring there are no knots or tangles in their lines, the harness is completely secure, carabiners are closed, no tangles in the tow bridle, and the tow release mechanism is free of anything that might tangle it up or cause it to jam before they get very far off the ground at any rate. If you noticed the malfunction above after you became airborne, it's a simple matter to radio the tow tech to either terminate the tow so you can land still attached, or reduce the tension so you can reach down, clear the malfunction and re secure the pin properly before completing the tow. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A SMALL POCKET SEWN IN THE RELEASE IN FRONT OF THE PIN FOR A REASON! It's designed to contain the curved portion of the pin so it can't be pushed too far through the closure loop; and the pin is much less likely to be knocked loose if you have a less than perfect launch.

What's wrong with the photo on the right? Nothing really, except that the loops haven't been snugged up by pulling everything tight.

Some pilots claim that it is possible that the cords were properly hooked up before launch and that by shaking and bouncing the release you can maneuver the pin into the position shown on the left and launch in this configuration. Sure, it's possible to get in that position, but it's much more likely that the pin will fall out and the bridle will release. Before launch it's always a good idea to snug everything up tight to preclude the possibility of the release pin being bumped out of place under a loopy, droopy piece of cord..... CHECK YOUR CLOSURE PINS BEFORE LAUNCH!

Incidentally, there are a couple very close copies of our tow bridle on the market that appear to be a TowMeUp.com bridle. If you don't see the TowMeUp.com tag it's not ours. They do not incorporate the pin pocket or certain other critical features, and it is a bit easier to push the head of the pin inadvertently through the closure loop. A certain well meaning individual wrote an interesting article in a well read publication a while back suggesting that the closure loop be sewn together so the head of the release pin can't be forced through the closure loop. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MODIFICATION TO OUR TOWMEUP.COM BRIDLE! The main reason is that it compromises the free movement of the closure loop under light line tensions. With a new bridle it's not much of an issue. With a used bridle, particularilly one that has been used at the beach, the closure loop swells from the salt and the sand and the loop will not readily fall away from the bridle when the pin is pulled with light line pressures, which may lead to a line entanglement that is difficult to resolve. If you should ever find yourself in the position where the pin goes through the closure loop, it's very simple to release from our bridle in any case. Simply place your foot through the V of the bridle and press the bridal while pulling the release with a free hand. The pin will easily pull free and allow you to release from the towline before any emergency should occur.

It's worth noting in any case that having any release fail should never put a pilot in a hazardous flight configuration. You always have the option of landing attached to the towline, and it's a simple process. If you're towing in a manner that your life would be endangered if you can't immediately release from the towline, I'd suggest you might also want to consider analyzing your towing procedures. This isn't supposed to be, nor is it a death defying activity.

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 weak link 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 weak link 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!

This was an interesting one. At the end of the tow, I noted that the pilot was taking a while to release from the towline, so naturally I gave him some slack to allow him to resolve his inability to release from the towline. It's not a big deal, really, since he could easily have simply flown down to a landing while attached to the tow line; while I slowly wind in any slack. Of course his best option would have been to simply pull the bridal up into his lap and unhook everything. The next best option would be to cut the weak link. Eventually he separated from the towline (all told it took him probably 20 seconds) and I rewound the line. As the line was coming in I noted an odd black mass flapping in the breeze and this is what I found when I got the drogue into the boat. The tow bridle was still firmly attached to the towline, and you can see the weak link is still attached.

Pretty effective hook knife eh! It not only can cut a weaklink, but it severed 3 pieces of webbing and some 1200 pound test spectra in one whack.

Here's a close up of what I found. The pilot was a very experienced tow pilot, but he had a long day and suffered a brain fart when he hooked up his tow bridle. He came up with a truly unique and creative way to screw up the release. You can clearly see the pin has been pulled and the closure loop released, but by feeding the weak link loop through the loop that holds the bridle together; there was no way for the release to separate. The harder he pulled, the tighter the mess became.

Interestingly the pilot was assisted as he hooked up by another very experienced pilot and they both looked at the release commenting that "something didn't look right"! There were at least 3 instructors present near the area, so a simple question would have certainly received a quick check and the problem "should" have been noted and corrected before the launch.

I was most curious as to why the pilot didn't simple pull the mess into his lap and separate it. Nobody would have been the wiser. He told me he realized he'd screwed up as soon as he pulled the release and went immediately for his hook knife. He considered cutting the weak link, but didn't want to destroy my equipment so he cut his bridle in half instead!

While I do appreciate the thought, I'd rather he cut the 20 cent weak link, which is sacrificial in nature anyway, than destroy an expensive piece of equipment. Having never seen this creative piece of origami, I traded him a new bridle for his slightly used one. It resides in our collection now.

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.