(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft towing a glider unless --
(1) The pilot in command of the towing aircraft is qualified under
§61.69 of this chapter;
(2) The towing aircraft is equipped with a tow-hitch of a kind, and
installed in a manner, that is approved by the Administrator;
(3) The towline used has breaking strength not less than 80 percent of
the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider and not more than
twice this operating weight. However, the towline used may have a breaking
strength more than twice the maximum certificated operating weight of the
glider if --
(i) A safety link is installed at the point of attachment of the
towline to the glider with a breaking strength not less than 80 percent of
the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider and not greater
than twice this operating weight.
(ii) A safety link is installed at the point of attachment of the
towline to the towing aircraft with a breaking strength greater, but not
more than 25 percent greater, than that of the safety link at the towed
glider end of the towline and not greater than twice the maximum
certificated operating weight of the glider;
(4) Before conducting any towing operation within the lateral
boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E
airspace designated for an airport, or before making each towing flight
within such controlled airspace if required by ATC, the pilot in command
notifies the control tower. If a control tower does not exist or is not in
operation, the pilot in command must notify the FAA flight service station
serving that controlled airspace before conducting any towing operations
in that airspace; and
(5) The pilots of the towing aircraft and the glider have agreed upon a
general course of action, including takeoff and release signals,
airspeeds, and emergency procedures for each pilot.
(b) No pilot of a civil aircraft may intentionally release a towline,
after release of a glider, in a manner that endangers the life or property
of another.