6
12) Insert the four lower surface battens carefully, as there is the possibility of
missing the batten pocket as battens enter the sail. When the batten reaches the
leading edge pocket, push up on the double surface near the leading edge and finish
inserting the batten. NOTE: when the batten is inserted properly, the tip should be
resting against the bottom of the leading edge.
Your Horizon ET is now ready for a pre-flight inspection, described next.
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
The nature of the Horizon ET is such that most of the pre-flight checkpoints
common to other flex wings are hidden to eliminate parasitic drag. A thorough pre-
flight procedure is mandatory with all aircraft, however, and the best technique is a
circular walk around the glider.
Start at one location, the nose plate for example and check each assembly point
available for inspection. Keep in mind the THREE MOST CRITICAL set-up factors.
These are the nose catch; the control frame base tube bolt and the cross tube
tension cables attaching to the spring catch on the keel. As stated in the set-up
procedure, ENSURE THAT ALL SECURING PINS ARE PROPERLY POSITIONED
AND CANNOT PULL THROUGH.
Starting at the nose, a suitable pre-flight checklist would be:
1) Sight along both leading edges checking for similar curves.
2) Walk towards the tip feeling for dents in the tube.
3) Pause at the wing bolts and look into the sail through the
velcro opening (under surface seam).
4) Continue to the tip and check the tip wand.
5) Walk to the keel checking the battens to ensure that they are
properly secured.
6) Check the luff line attachment points, both at kingpost and
trailing edge grommets. Ensure that the luff lines are not wrapped
around the batten ends.
7) Check the cross tube wire to spring catch connection.
8) Check the rear top rigging and luff line attachments.
9) Repeat items 2 to 7 in reverse order.
10) Check the nose catch.
