ADVOKS GLOBAL · KENYA
The Civil Aviation (Aerial Work-General Operations) Regulations, 2025
42. Towing of gliders
Edition: 2026-03-25 · In force
42. Towing of gliders
(1)A person operating an aircraft in flight shall not tow a glider unless the certificate of airworthiness of the aircraft is valid and includes an express provision that the aircraft may be used for towing a glider of that particular type.(2)A person operating an aircraft shall not tow a glider unless the pilot-in-command of the towing aircraft is qualified under this Part.(3)A person shall not operate an aircraft that is towing a glider unless the aircraft is equipped with a tow hook and release control system that meets the applicable standards of airworthiness.(4)The length of the combination of towing aircraft, towrope and glider in flight shall not exceed 150 metres.(5)A pilot-in-command of an aircraft which is about to tow a glider shall satisfy himself, before the towing aircraft takes off that—(a)the towline is in good condition and meets the requirements specified in this regulation;(b)the combination of the towing aircraft and glider is capable of safely taking off, reaching and maintaining a safe height thereafter, and making a safe landing at the place of intended destination;(c)signals have been agreed and communication established with persons suitably stationed so as to enable the glider to take off safely; and(d)emergency signals have been agreed between the pilot-in-command of the towing aircraft and the pilot-in-command of the glider to be used, respectively, by the pilot-in-command of the towing aircraft to indicate that the tow should immediately be released by the glider, and by the pilot-in-command of the glider to indicate that the tow cannot be released.(6)A person operating an aircraft shall ensure that the glider is attached to the towing aircraft by means of the tow rope before the aircraft takes off.(7)A person operating an aircraft in flight shall not tow a glider except in accordance with such conditions and requirements as the Authority may specify.(8)A pilot-in-command of an aircraft shall satisfy himself that—(a)the towing aircraft is equipped with a tow hitch of a kind, and installed in a manner that is approved by the Authority;(b)the towline used has breaking strength of not less than eighty percent of the maximum certificated operating weight of the glider and not more than twice this operating weight, however, the towline used shall 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 of not less than eighty 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 twenty-five 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;(c)before conducting any towing operation within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class C, D, or E airspace designated for an airport, or before making each towing flight within such controlled airspace if required by air traffic control, the pilot-in-command notifies the control tower;(d)if a control tower does not exist, the pilot-in-command shall notify the Authority before conducting any towing operations; and(e)the pilots of the towing aircraft and the glider have agreed upon a general course of action, including take-off and release signals, airspeeds, and emergency procedures for each pilot.(9)A pilot of an aircraft shall not intentionally release a towline, after release of a glider, in a manner that endangers the life or property of other persons.