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ENGLISH
Strength of the lines - An upper, middle and lower A line, along with a
lower B and a lower C (and lower D if applicable) line should be tested for
strength. Each line is tested to breaking point and the value recorded. The
minimum value is 8 G for all lower A+B lines and 6 G for all lower remaining
lines, calculated from the maximum certified flying weight of the glider. The
added minimum strength for the middle lines and for the top lines should be
the same. If the breaking strength is too close to the minimum value calcu-
lated, the professional should give a period after which you will have to test
the strength of the lines again.
Lengths of the lines - The overall length (riser lines + mid lines + upper
lines) has to be checked under 5Kgs of tension. The difference between the
measured length and the original length should not /- 10mm.
The changes that could appear are a slight shrink on the C or Ds and/or a
slight stretch on the A, B. The consequences of these changes can include
a slower trim speed, difficult inflation etc.
Full check - A full visual check should be carried out: All the components
of the wing (stitching, ribs, diagonals, lines, tabs, ...) should be checked for
signs of detoriation.
Finally, a flight test that confirms that the wing behaves normally should be
carried out by the professional.
IMPORTANT: Take care of your glider and make sure you
have it checked according to the above schedule: This will
ensure you hours of safe flying.
MAINTENANCE CHECKS
Your wing, like a car, should be technically checked to ensure proper
airworthiness.
Your wing should be checked by a qualified professional for the first time
after 24 months, or after 100 hours. However, if you are a frequent flyer
(more than 80 hrs per year), then we recommend, that you get your glider
checked annually.
The checker should inform you about the condition of your glider and if
some parts will need to be checked or changed before the next normal
service check period.
The sail and the lines do not age in the same way or at the same rate; it
is possible that you may have to change part or all of the lines during the
wing’s life. For this reason it is important to do regular inspections so that
you know the exact condition of all of the components of your glider. We
recommend that inspections are carried out by a qualified professional.
You alone are responsible for your flying kit and your safety depends on it.
Take care of your equipment and have it regularly inspected. Changes in
inflation/ground handling/flying behaviour indicates the gliders aging, if you
notice any changes you should have the wing checked before flying again.
These are the basic elements of the check up (full details and permissable
figures can be found on our website):
Porosity is measured with a porosity meter, the time taken by a certain vol-
ume of air to go through a certain surface of the cloth. The time in seconds
is the result. A measurement is done in a several places on the top surface
along the span of the glider behind the leading edge.
The tearing resistance of the cloth - A non-destructive test following the TS-
108 standard which specifies minimum tear strength for sky diving canopies
should be made using a Bettsometer. (B.M.A.A. Approved Patent No. GB
2270768 Clive Betts Sails)
