New Glider Systems

Congratulations! You've just bought a new, or new to you glider, it's an exciting time in your life. All you want to do is put those wings on & go fly it, in all reality, there's nothing wrong with that, but I feel it's better to get all the ground systems in place first.  I feel that flying is the easy part, generally, this is not where the problems or damage arises. So where does it? 

Ground Handling & Systems

The simple answer, ground handling & all the systems that go with it. So while it would be great to just throw the wings on, I feel that it's best to take a small step back & take things slowly. Rushing now is not the time, damage because you didn't know the idiosyncrasies of the setup, just isn't worth it. I recently bought a new glider, a new trailer, new systems & new ground handling equipment, I had pressure coming from friends, "just fly it already!" I held my ground & just enjoyed the process, enjoyed getting to know all these new exciting things, the threats too. When the day came, it felt so rewarding, best of all, no damage & everything is still pristine!

Ask for a Briefing

So what are some of the things we should be thinking about? If you're buying it 2nd hand, then a thorough briefing at least from the previous owner will pay for itself, don't forget to take notes, because there will likely be a lot of information flooding in, of which it's generally not possible to take it all in. Ask questions too of course if something doesn't make sense. Naturally, a hands-on approach with a full setup/demonstration is best. Write down points of interest, especially if you see them as weaknesses or threats (for damage), this will come in handy later, as you'll want to brainstorm how you can simplify something, research a solution & implement it later.

Ground Handling Equipment

One-man Riggers

Have you got a hangar for it, is it yours or must you share with others? Or will you have to rig & derig each time you want to fly? It's hard to go past a hangar, but they can be fraught with danger if not set up correctly. The best solution I've come across is tracks & a trolley, this way the glider goes in & out in exactly the same spot every time. If it's a rig situation, then a one-man rigger provides is priceless, no heavy lifting, fine movements are possible, everything is in a controlled manner done by yourself alone. The threat with others helping is that it's likely their first time helping with your setup, they don't know the little things about your glider & trailer that are critical to avoid the little damages. If you haven't got a one-man rigger, then a thorough briefing to the helper & speaking ahead I find really helps. 

Wing-Walkers & Tow-Bars

Ground handling gear, the latest wing walkers have a 360° pivot on them, which allows perfect direction control. No more getting out of the car to fix up the dreaded skip of the wheel which digs into your wing, potentially damaging the ailerons or wing profile in the process. The tow-out bars of the same manufacturer are designed so that there's no heavy lifting or pulling onto your car, saving your back & your guts! Well worth some investigation & the investment into your own long term health prospects

The key to success in avoiding any damage to your new (to you) glider is to take a step back, think ahead as best you can with issues that you can foresee, fix the area of concern, or buy a system to help. If people try to rush you, stop, take a breath, now is not the time - a trip to the local repairer to repair a damaged rudder (for example) takes a lot longer than fixing the problem area in the first place!

Flight & Maintenance Manual

Naturally, one final point, read the flight & maintenance manual - there's a lot of great information in there about how your new toy flies, how to care for it, how to rig it, etc.

Banner photo by Sophie Curie

 Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.