Managing Flying Risk – Ground handling

Every year there are many hours of flying lost and tens of thousands of pounds of insurance claims made due to avoidable accidents whilst moving gliders on the ground.

There are some simple precautions that contribute to moving gliders safely;

Towing a glider using tow-out gear

  • Confirm the undercarriage is locked down.
  • Close and lock the canopy.
  • Check the towing equipment is serviceable.
  • Check the towing equipment is fitted correctly to the glider.
  • Ensure that all involved including the driver can hear instructions or warnings. That includes winding the windows down and not using the car entertainment system.
  • Drive at walking pace.
  • If in any doubt, ensure someone is checking clearance from obstacles.

Towing a glider using a rope and a person on the wingtip

  • Confirm the undercarriage is locked down.
  • Close and lock the canopy.
  • Ensure that the rope is long enough. Consider an overrun or other eventuality.
  • Consider using a second person to prevent the glider overtaking the rope. This is particularly important where there is down-slope or a hard surface.
  • Ensure that all involved including the driver can hear instructions or warnings. That includes winding the windows down and not using the car entertainment system.
  • Drive at walking pace.
  • When approaching a potential obstacle, steer by holding the wingtip nearest the obstacle – that way, the obstacle’s proximity to a wingtip is obvious.

Parking aircraft

  • Consider the weather. Gusts or strong winds can easily move and even lift aircraft. Gliders are particularly vulnerable.
  • Always close and lock the canopy.
  • Removing the tail dolly will help to prevent weather-cocking.
  • Proactive use of wind breaks and parking gliders with tyres/padded weights on a wing and elsewhere can help to prevent unexpected movement.
  • Packing in a hangar can easily result in “hangar rash”. Care should be taken to adequately brief those moving the aircraft and those checking clearance, including anyone’s use of the command ‘stop!’