Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing: Experience and training requirements

To act as pilot in command while towing gliders or unpowered ultralights, you must hold at least a private pilot certificate for powered aircraft and have logged 100 hours as PIC in the category, class, and type (if applicable) you'll use for towing.

You need ground and flight training from an instructor covering towing techniques, airspeed limits, emergency procedures, signals, and bank angle limits, documented by logbook endorsement. You must also complete three actual or simulated tows under supervision of a qualified tow pilot (who has at least 10 tows and meets specific experience requirements).

To stay current, within the preceding 24 months you must either make three actual or simulated tows with a qualified pilot, or make three flights as PIC of a glider or ultralight being towed.

A grandfather clause exempts pilots who logged 10+ tows as PIC before May 17, 1967 from the initial three-flight training requirement.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*