2023 Newsletter > Luc Zipkin Q & A
How did you like flying the Pawnee? How does it compare to the other airplanes you’ve flown?
“I loved flying the Pawnee. It’s a very docile taildragger compared to some of the other airplanes I’ve flown, has great performance (particularly when you’re not towing a glider!), and exceptional visibility that I particularly liked.”
What was your favorite part of towing?
“At Sugarbush, we’re fortunate to get to watch a lot of new students, including many younger ones, come into glider flying. As the tow pilot, I get to be a part of every flight, so I get to watch (and feel) students improve and tackle new challenges. That’s a pretty special experience.”
What did you find to be most challenging?
“It was tough to watch everyone else having fun in the gliders! I always wanted to spend more time flying the gliders.”
What was the most number of tows you did in one day? Did that tire you out?
“A busy day of towing is definitely tiring work. I think the most I ever did in a day was 31, and you definitely have to pay attention to staying hydrated and avoiding fatigue.”
If you were training a new tow pilot, what are the three biggest tips you’d give them?
“If you were training a new tow pilot, what are the three biggest tips you’d give them?
1. Learn the Valley. The glider pilots know it well because they have to, and they expect you to, as well. It makes you a better tow pilot and could save your life in an emergency.
2. Be nice to the glider behind you. When you make their life easy, they’ll return the favor. Be gentle in your turns and clear in your pre-flight planning.
3. Be ready to fly at all times. In soaring, we often have to wait for weather, ground crew, or other things to align. If you can help it, don’t keep the gliders waiting.”
Any other tips for aspiring new tow pilots?
“Absolutely number one: learn to use your feet! Strong tailwheel skills are an absolute necessity.”
We first met you when you came to your first SSA Youth Soaring Camp back in 2018. Now you’re flying our tow planes, plus you’re a Commercial Glider pilot! - Do you think soaring helped lay a solid foundation for your power flying? If so, how did it make you a better pilot?
It certainly did. Soaring gives pilots a great intuition for the energy state of the aircraft that applies just as well to power planes. I apply skills I learned first at the Youth Soaring Camps to every flight, routine or otherwise. And as for the otherwise— in an emergency, there is no replacement for an energy management specialist: a glider pilot!”
What is your dream aviation job?
“I know some folks who actually earn their living by flying World War II fighter planes (the ultimate in high-performance taildraggers) for private collectors. Setting pipe dreams aside, I’d love to fly seaplanes professionally!”
Driving golf carts used to be an exciting adventure for Luc when he attended soaring camps years ago. He has since moved on to old Land Rovers, Pawnees, Beech 18s and other aircraft!=)