A - Altimeter/Avionics set B - Ballast (if applicable) B - Belts secured C - Controls free and correct C - Canopy closed and latched C - Cable (towrope) connected, correct ring used D - Dive brakes closed and locked D - Direction of wind noted E - Emergency plan Before getting in the glider, ensure that seat position, seat cushions, ballast, rudder pedals, etc are set as needed, [[Flight Deck Management#Passenger Briefing]] completed as necessary ### Altimeter/Avionics set - Altimeter set to local altimeter setting, field elevation, or 0ft, as desired - Avionics (as applicable) powered on, within reach, set for departure ### Ballast - If applicable, correct ballast weight used and secured. Especially important when more than one pilot will be flying the glider that day! ### Belts secured - All occupants' seatbelts securely fastened - Pilot should be able to reach all necessary equipment and fully deflect all flight controls without locking out arms or legs ### Controls free and correct "Box" the controls: - stick full forward and full left - stick full back and full left - stick full back and full right - stick full forward and full right - stick full forward and full left - full left rudder - full right rudder - check operation of dive brakes, spoilers, flaps, etc as applicable - trim set for takeoff "Free": - flight controls move freely, without resistance or interference, to full deflection "Correct" - "thumbs up" at up deflected aileron, other aileron deflected down - elevator down when stick forward, elevator up when stick back - left rudder deflection with left rudder pedal, right rudder deflection with right rudder pedal - dive brakes/spoilers open when handle full back, closed when handle full forward ### Canopy closed and latched - Emphasis on "latched" ### Cable - Correct tow ring used (schweizer or tost) - Correct tow hook used (forward/nose hook for aerotow) - Release mechanism checked for proper operation - Towline hooked up ### Dive brakes closed and locked - Emphasis on "locked" ### Direction of wind noted - Note any agreement or discrepancy with yaw string, wind sock, or any other local wind direction indicators ### Emergency Plan - Intended plan, to include direction of flight and release altitude - Any abnormalities prior to liftoff, we will release - Rope break below ___ ft (normally 200ft), we will land straight ahead - Rope break between ___ ft and ___ ft (normally 200ft/700ft), we will turn left/right (into wind) and perform a downwind landing - Rope break above ___ ft (normally 700ft), we will join an abbreviated left/right pattern to perform a normal landing