Private Tow Pilots for Hire

Nov 2010

SSA ANNOUNCES AN IMPORTANT CHANGE IN TOWING RULES: PRIVATE TOW PILOTS MAY TOW GLIDERS FOR COMPENSATION OR HIRE UNDER SSA'S GROUP LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY

One of the challenges facing many soaring clubs and commercial operators in recent years has been the difficulty in finding qualified tow pilots.  SSA is pleased to report that recent SSA actions have greatly eased this problem.  SSA recently obtained (in November 2010) a legal opinion from the FAA office of Chief Counsel stating that pilots who carry only a Private, Single Engine Land (SEL), pilot’s certificate may tow gliders or ultralights for compensation or hire. On the basis of this FAA legal opinion, SSA has now obtained a modification of its SSA group liability insurance program to provide insurance coverage for glider tows, for compensation or hire, by tow pilots with only a Private pilot certificate where the soaring operation and the tow pilot meet certain qualifications.

In short, Clubs and commercial operators that are currently covered under the SSA Group Policy and that have satisfactory loss histories will be covered under the SSA policy for tows by private pilots for compensation or hire effective on their next renewal date.  It will be up to the club's chief tow pilot to determine if a particular tow pilot has the requisite level of skill to conduct the tows. Information about this important change can be found on the SSA homepage under the heading, "Private Towpilots Information."  There you will find a more extended discussion of these changes as well as a link to the November 3, 2010 FAA Legal Opinion.  The FAA opinion can also be found on the FAA website at:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/pol_adju...

Phil Umphres,

SSA Region 10 Director & SSA Foundation Trustee

Cell: 214-558-1285

Home: 214-221-0429

Office: 214-999-0035