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Depending on the type of glider, two or more people may be required for assembly. It is important for everyone involved to maintain focus throughout the assembly process to avoid missed steps. Outside disturbances should also be avoided. Once the assembly is finished, a thorough inspection of all attach points ensures that bolts and pins were installed and secured properly. Do not use a hammer to tap wing bolts or other glider components in their place. The main wing pins should slide into the socket with minimum application of force. If the wing bolts require such force, a mechanic should be retained to ensure that the main wing spar is not bent or damaged. 

On most gliders, the wing can be completely removed from the fuselage area. On some motor gliders, the wing can be folded up for ease of storage. [Figures 6-2]  This allows the glider to be placed in a normal size hangar. Hangars are usually between 35 and 45 feet in width. Because most glider wings are a minimum of 40 feet (12 meters) total length, a larger hangar is usually desirable. 

Once the gliders wings have been folded, the glider can easily be moved in and around the hangar area. On some gliders, operators may elect to leave the wings attached for quick access. This is usually the practice at larger glider operations. These gliders can be fitted or rolled onto a small dolly that has castering wheels. The glider’s main wheel fits into a slot, and the entire glider can be pivoted and moved to accommodate other gliders. 

Once the glider has been completely assembled, the pilot then inspects all critical areas to ensure all flight controls are attached. The pilot should refer to a written checklist either provided by the manufacturer or a commercial source that prints glider checklists. 

This final check is very critical and usually takes time to complete. Pilots should not be interrupted when they are attempting to check the glider. The Soaring Society of America (SSA) and one of its affiliates, the Soaring Safety Foundation (SSF), have developed a checklist for preparing a glider, which 

is Safety Advisory 00-1, Glider Critical Assembly Procedures, and can be found in Appendix A of this handbook. 

Many manufacturers provide a critical assembly checklist (CAC) to be completed after assembly, which is the preferred method of ensuring a proper assembly has been completed. When provided by the manufacturer, it is mandatory. A positive control check (PCC) is not a CAC, but an additional means of verification. If a CAC is provided, it must be used as is any other checklist a manufacturer provides. A PCC is not regulatory, but it is a good idea whether or not you just completed the required CAC. 

## Trailering 

Specially designed trailers are used to transport, store, and retrieve gliders. [Figure 6-3]  The components of the glider should fit snugly without being forced, be guarded against chafing, and be well secured within the trailer. Once the loading is completed, take a short drive, stop, and check for rubbing or chafing of components. Ensure that any items carried inside the trailer are secure from movement. For example, jacks, ramps, wing stands, and ground dollies must be secured so that these items do not damage the glider. 

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