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## Assembly and Storage Techniques 

The assembly of a glider to include the installation of glider wings and tail surfaces is classified as operations functions not preventative maintenance. This information can be found in Amendment 43-27, published in 52 FR 17276, May 6, 1987 which is an amendment to 14 CFR part 43. Prior to assembling the glider, the pilot must check the required documentation that must be on board the glider for flight as required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal regulations (14 CFR) parts 21 and 91. Required documentation includes: 

• Airworthiness certificate 

• Registration 

• Required placards 

• GFM/POH 

While preparing to assemble a glider, consider the following elements: location, number of crewmembers, tools and parts necessary, and checklists that detail the appropriate assembly procedures. Glider pilots should also develop and follow a procedure, or procedures, to deal with distractions that may occur during the glider assembly. Something as simple as rechecking the previous two steps and then continuing the checklist steps might be sufficient. The GFM/POH should contain checklists for assembling and preflighting a glider. If not, develop one and follow it every flight. Haphazard assembly and preflight procedures can lead to unsafe conditions. 

Before assembling a glider, ensure that the glider trailer is secured with the wheel brake on and the wheels chocked. Adjust the leveling of the trailer as needed according to the GFM/POH so the glider can be removed without damaging items, such as the antenna and other glider components (e.g., wings, tips, horizontal elevator). If using a single rigging device, ensure that the wing holder is adjusted so the wing does not slide out of the holder and become damaged by striking or falling to the ground. 

Find a location that shields the project from the elements and offers enough room for completion. Wind is an important factor to consider during an outdoor assembly. Each wing is an airfoil whether or not it is connected to the fuselage; even a gentle breeze is enough to produce lift on the wings, making them cumbersome or impossible to handle. If assembling the glider in a spot unshielded from the wind, great care must still be taken when handling the wings. 

When performing the assembly inside a hangar, ensure there is enough room to maneuver the glider’s components throughout the process. Also, consider the length of time anticipated to complete the entire procedure, and choose an area that allows complete undisturbed assembly. Moving the glider during assembly may cause parts or tools to be misplaced. 

Wing stands or a wing dolly, the proper tools, wing tape, and lubricants should be on hand when assembling the glider. [Figure 6-1] To stay organized, use a written assembly checklist, and keep an inventory of parts and tools. Some organizations track tools and components by placing all of the necessary components and hardware used with necessary tools on a piece of canvas or material and outlining each tool. This facilitates a quick inventory before assembly and afterwards. Once glider assembly is complete, pilots should account for all parts and tools used during assembly. Objects inadvertently misplaced in the glider could become jammed in the flight controls, making control difficult, if not impossible. In addition, when taping the wing roots, turtle deck (cover where the flight controls are attached) elevator and other areas, ensure the tape is placed properly and is secure. If the seal tape comes off in flight, the tape may cause control issues with the glider. 

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