Safety Belts

Glider pilots will spend $7,000 on a new flight computer without thinking about it. But do not want to spend $450 to replace their sun decayed belts. The ones that will be the last line of defense keeping you alive in an accident.

Most manufactures have a 12 year life. It will be clearly marked on the belts. If it is no longer marked it is assumed to be expired. The sailplane manufacture will also list the service life in the maintenance manual. This is unavoidable.

We bought a used Grob 103 in Germany that they would not sell until they had replaced the belts, this was a condition of the sale that the seller imposed.

Standard Certificate gliders give you little flexibility on what belts you can use as they are listed in the maintenance manual.

Experimental gliders give you a little more flexibility, as you could use a suitable FAA replacement.

It is important that you consult your local A&P.

Banner Photo:  Mika Ganszauge

CamelBak 70oz - Ideal for keeping you hydrated while flying.  This Camelbak features an external fill, insulated reservoir sleeve, attachment points, carry handle / hanger loop, zippered tube access

Some Time limited parts:
Batteries, ELT batteries,Belts, parachute, TOST releases, data logger calibration, annual/yearly condition inspection, O2 bottle, transponder testing.

 Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.