Wills Wing Fusion 141, Owner'S Service Manual

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the end of the batten tip, and when the string is set onto the tip the tension along the batten pocket should
be just enough to pull most of the static wrinkles out of the sail, but not so tight as to cause the batten
camber to push upwards causing a bulge in the sail. The outboard batten strings should be progressively
tighter as you go towards the tip. The number one batten strings should be quite tight, and when they are
properly adjusted you will not be able to install them unless the crossbar is tensioned.
Leading edge sail tension
The tension in the leading edge of the sail, adjustable by shimming as described above, will influence
the performance and handling of the glider. If the sail is mounted too loose, the performance will
deteriorate noticeably. If the sail is mounted too tight, the glider will handle poorly; it will be stiff and
slow in roll response with excessive adverse yaw. As the glider gets older and the sail stretches, you
will need to add shims to maintain the proper tension.
Car Top Mounting and Transport
Improper or careless transport of your glider can cause significant damage. You should transport your
glider on a rack which has at least three support points which span at least 13' of the length of the
glider. These should be well padded and at least four inches wide to distribute the load. Your glider
should be mounted on your rack with the control bar facing down (glider bag zipper down) to provide
an extra measure of protection for the crossbar. It should be securely tied down with webbing straps
which are at least 1/2" wide, but not tied so tightly or with such a small diameter rope that the mylar
insert is permanently deformed. If you drive on rough roads where the glider receives impact loads, you
should take extra care to pad your glider internally when you pack it up. One special area to pay
attention to is the forward area of the glider where the crossbar center section bears against the top of
the leading edge and keel tubes. Some extra padding inserted in this area will save wear on your
airframe and sail.
In Closing
With proper care and maintenance, your glider will retain a high level of airworthiness for some years.
Because of the relatively short history of hang gliding, and the rapid advances in new designs, we do
not have a lot of information about the ultimate service life of a hang glider. We do know that ultravio-
let (UV) damage to the sail from sunlight is probably the limiting factor in the life of your sail. Try to
avoid exposing your sail to sunlight any time you are not actually flying it.
We also know that there are forces in nature which can be so violent that they can result in fatal
accidents regardless of the airworthiness of your aircraft. Ultimately your safety is your responsibility.
Know the limitations of your knowledge, skill and experience, and know the limitations of your air-
craft. Fly within those limitations.
Have fun.
See you in the sky!
Wills Wing, Inc.