H
ANDLING
, S
ERVICE AND
M
AINTENANCE
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
7
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
5. Fasten the wing securing struts to their fittings on the wing aft
spars, so they’ll be ready to secure to the fittings on the vertical fin
(optional).
6. Pull forward gently on the wing strut to relieve the wing’s weight
from the spar pin, and remove the safety clip and the spar pin on
one side to disconnect the forward spar from the fuselage cage.
7. The wing tends to swing aft due to its own weight when the spar
pin is removed, so control the wing’s rotation by holding onto the
wing strut until the wing is parallel to the fuselage.
CAUTION
Although it is entirely possible to fold the Sportsman taildragger’s
wings single-handedly, one must be aware of and prepared for
the wing’s tendency to fold back due to its own weight as soon
as the spar pin is removed. If you are caught off guard, the
wing could get away from you, possibly causing damage to the
vertical fin, flap, aileron and/or wing structure. This potential
problem is more pronounced when the fuel tanks are full. If
you have an assistant available, station him or her at the
outboard end of the wing strut to control the wing’s motion.
8. Fasten the wing-securing strut to the vertical fin to hold the wing in
the folded position (optional, but recommended).
9. Repeat Steps 6–8 for the other wing.
If the airplane is to be trailered, instead of just stored at the airport, the
support struts mentioned in Step 4 are
essential
to prevent structural