Correct assembly of the glider

At the beginning of the flying season, the first assembly certainly takes longer than in the fall. Not every move is perfect – and where has the wing prop gone after the winter maintenance? The learning curve is steep and the assembly of the glider soon progresses rapidly again. We may not be aware of this at the moment: Every year, 3 to 4 fatal accidents occur in Europe due to assembly errors. This means that full concentration is required during assembly and especially during the rudder check. Because the topic is relevant to safety, EASA has addressed it in a Safety Information Bulletin 2019-07 (SIB).

Understanding creates safety
The EASA SIB provides some specific examples of incorrect installation. It is obvious that safety splints can indeed be used incorrectly. Understanding the function of the mechanism creates safety. In the case of anti-rotation devices, the screw must first be tightened correctly. And in the case of locking devices that secure an element against displacement, moving the secured element to both end points helps to check the function. If visibility at the connections is restricted, a flashlight can help.

Good practices
In general, assembly and pre-flight checks are relatively well described in the flight manual – and if not, now would probably be the time to write more precise instructions. Interruptions and distractions in the assembly process, but also during checks, are a serious risk. If the rudder is connected but the safety pin is missing, this can be fatal. Every aircraft has its own peculiarities. The transfer of knowledge from one aircraft to another is initially based on assumptions – and these can also be wrong. The flight manual provides clarity here. Then there is the fact that gliding is a team sport – and assembly is no different. Responsibilities must be defined. The assumption that the other person will look can lead to a situation where nobody looks. A signature in the flight logbook (if available) or a list ensures that responsibilities are clearly defined.