How does a private pilot obtain towing privileges? 

CFR, part 61, section 61.69, outlines the requirements for towing privileges. 

You must: 

1) Hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category rating; 

2) Have logged a minimum of 100 hours as pilot in command in the same category 

aircraft used for towing; 

3) Have a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you have 

received ground and flight training in gliders or unpowered ultralight vehicles, 

and is proficient in the areas listed in part 61.69(a)(3)(i)(ii)(iii) and (iv); 

4) Have a logbook endorsement from a pilot that already meets the requirements of 

part 61.69 (c) and (d), who has accompanied the pilot on three flights which has 

certified them to have accomplished at least three flights in an aircraft while 

towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, or while simulating towing flight 

procedures; and 

In the preceding 12 months has performed three actual or simulated tows 

accompanied by a qualified pilot or has been towed for three flights in a glider or 

unpowered ultralight vehicle. 

In accordance with part 61.52, pilots towing under an ultralight exemption may credit 

experience obtained in ultralight vehicles for their towing experience and endorsements. 

You must: 

1) Hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category rating; 

2) Have logged a minimum of 100 hours as pilot in command in the same category 

aircraft used for towing; 

3) A logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who has reviewed their 

logged ultralight towing experience and who has verified their aero tug pilot 

endorsement card received from USHPA, verifying they have received the 

authorized training to become a tow pilot of gliders and/or unpowered ultralight 

vehicles; and 

In the preceding 12 months has performed three actual or simulated tows 

accompanied by a qualified pilot, or has been towed for three flights in a glider or 

unpowered ultralight vehicle. 
Required endorsements in accordance with CFR, part 61, 

section 61.69: 

Tow training endorsement by an Instructor 

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required towing training 

required in section 61.69(3). I have determined that he/she is proficient in techniques and 

procedures essential to the safe towing of gliders and/or unpowered ultralight vehicles. 

 [date] /s/ Sign J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-05 

Tow proficiency endorsement by a qualified private pilot or higher 

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has accomplished at least three flights in an 

aircraft while towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, or while simulating towing 

flight procedures per section 61.69(5). 

 [date] /s/ Sign J. J. Jones (pilot certificate # 987654321) 

OR 

If you are a registered aero tow pilot with USHPA 

Endorsement by an authorized flight instructor 

Tow endorsement based on ultralight experience, section 61.52 

I certify that I have reviewed the records of (First name, MI, Last name), as required by 

section 61.52(c). I have determined he/she has the aeronautical experience towing glider 

and/or unpowered ultralight vehicle and meets the requirements of section 61.69. 

 [date] /s/ J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-05 

All other ultralight organizations with tow exemption authority must submit their 

organization’s training requirements for aero tow pilots to the Light Sport Aviation 

Branch, AFS-610, for approval to use ultralight experience obtained from that 

organization.