A lot of glider drivers in high performance ships will open their spoilers initially on tow. I've seen some of the self launchers use this trick, too. I have been told raising the spoilers forces more air outboard and over the ailerons, giving some roll authority sooner than would normally occur. This technique also helps keep them from dragging a wing tip in the beginning of the tow after the wing runner releases, especially when they have ballast in the wings. I had one guy in our club I used to tow regularly in an SZD-55 who couldn't successfully launch unless he started out with the spoilers open. I have to say as a tow pilot who towed routinely from a short strip it's a little unnerving to look in the mirror and see the glider you're towing with the spoilers open as you barrel towards the trees at the far end.
Regards,
John Lawton
Whitwell, TN (TN89)
Ximango #135
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