Flatland tow endorsement

We offer an authentic flatland towing and thermalling clinic based at Conargo. If you intend to fly XC in the flatlands then you should learn to tow in those flatlands

This clinic concludes with a SAFA tow endorsement and weather permitting some thermalling and possibly some XC.

The SAFA tow endorsement requires:

10 tow launches
Front and reverse starts
Tow theory and exam

We also offer the opportunity for some thermalling in the flats, putting it all into practice

Costs

The clinic costs $550 and usually runs over two days

We supply all towing equipment including tow bridles

FAQ

How do we set up our GPS

Your GPS should be set to a coordinate system of degrees.degrees (d.ddddd)

If you want to keep an useful tracklog you should be taking tracklog points every second, depending on the storage capacity of your GPS unit

Do I need a tow endorsement

Yes, you need a tow endorsement, towing in thermals can easily be dangerous without some education

We regularly run tow endorsement clinics or can teach you to tow during the safari clinics at extra cost and by prior arrangement only
We need evidence that you know how to tow, the conditions can often be demanding

What do I need to bring

Glider, harness, helmet, vario, gps, radio

A reserve is mandatory

Water, sunscreen, sunnies

We supply a winch, tow releases, weak links and some backup water

Why do we go to Conargo

Multiple tow strips for all wind directions

Authentic site to which you will return for long distance XC

Proven conditions for good XC

How much experience do I need to learn to tow

We can teach you to tow as soon as you have your supervised licence

Done correctly towing is a great way to quickly gather flights, launches and landings
We teach students to fly on the tow as well as taking them to the alpine launch sites

What radio do we need?

In Australia we use a UHF CB frequency range around 476/7 mhz, the radios need to be CTCSS (tone squelch capable)

Radio frequency will be UHF 12 (476.7mhz), tone squelch 79.7 hz (Jiri radio PRIV2)

How does the retrieve system work?
  • All pilots need a clear inflight radio communications system (we can work with you to help you get this properly sorted out), a GPS and a cell phone.
  • We all fly from the same site each day, as you fly you routinely radio to the retrieve driver your GPS position based on bearing, height and distance from launch . If they have not heard from you frequently enough they will ask you for updates. We can find you based on this information alone
  • A  SPOT or Delorme satellite GPS tracking system is mandatory. This unit will transmit your coordinates via satellite (does not need cell phone coverage) to our driver. We can also track you whilst you are flying. We can rent you one if you give us notice
  • When you land you use your tracker to send your GPS coordinates to the retrieve driver
  • You will need to land or walk to a vehicle accessible road, we will not haul you out of dense bush. Remember a good looking track may have locked gates so be smart and focus on landing beside paved (sealed)roads.
  • The retrieve driver has a vehicle based GPS that will accept your coordinates and guide the driver to you, they also have maps of the area

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Photos

Clinic calendar

If you cannot see a date that suits you or there is a clinic scheduled and you are not sure if you are suitable for it then don’t be shy, contact us to talk it thru


PG2 to PG3 development course

An intensive 2 days to take you towards your PG3

When: Thu November 21 - Fri November 22
Where: Bright


Alpine tow endorsement

Tow endorsement course, also helps PG2 pilots to gain 10 more flights and another site Pilots will have the opportunity to fly Mystic during the clinic

When: Sat November 30 - Sun December 1
Where: Bright, Victoria, Australia

Bookings

Bookings

To book please check the dates of your event then contact us via the Enquiries page.
Be sure to let us know the dates you are interested in
We will then follow up with you to be sure we have you on the right event

If you have any questions call on +61 (0)417 530972 or skype to brianmwebb

Payments

Payments can be made by bank transfer or PayPal

Bank transfer
Bendigo Bank: BSB 633 000
Account name: XCkms
Account number: 122842537

PayPal
Regret this bears a 2% addition to cover administration costs
Please pay to webbie@XCkms.com

Why us

Why clinic with XCkms

  • Expert guides with demonstrable experience
  • Extensive local knowledge of sites and meteorology
  • Tandem instruction where appropriate
  • Comfortable 4WD vehicles with GPS, tablet, SMS and SPOT facilities
  • Dedicated retrieve drivers
  • Briefing facilities including whiteboard, big screen video replay, tracklog projection and WiFi