Movement of the glider between storage or [[Assembly]] areas and launching/landing areas requires careful planning and execution. Improper ground handling of the glider can result in damage to the glider, damage to other aircraft or airport property, and compromise the safety of flight activities in the launching/landing areas. ### Equipment Depending on the operation and type of glider, different types of ground handling equipment may be used, including: - Glider tail dolly, wing wheel, or other dolly - Tow vehicle (such as a golf cart or ATV) - Tow line or tow bar ![[IMI ground handling equipment.jpg]] ### General ground handling procedures - The canopy should be closed and latched any time the glider is unoccupied, especially during ground handling operations; lift or lower the canopy gently using the frame or handle, **NOT** by pushing on the glass - Use an adequate number of ground crew to move the glider; at least one wing walker is required for normal operations, but anything that increases the difficulty of maneuvering the glider (strong winds, sloping or rough terrain, nearby obstructions, etc) warrants additional personnel - In strong winds, swinging flight control surfaces can be damaged by being blown against the stops. Secure the flight controls with a seatbelt around the stick, and open spoilers if possible; or, have a pilot sit in the cockpit (with seatbelts fastened) to position the flight controls appropriately to reduce lift - A wing walker should always be positioned at the upwind wing to keep it lowered; allowing the upwind wing to rise could potentially flip the glider - If traversing a sloped surface, a wing walker should be positioned on the uphill wingtip to prevent the glider from pivoting downhill; additional personnel may be required to manage the speed of the glider on steeper downhill slopes - Do not leave the glider unattended unless it has been properly secured - When the glider is positioned for launch, ensure all dollies have been removed and placed clear of the launching area - When in doubt, defer to the glider manufacturer's guidance on ground handling procedures ![[GA ground handling.png]] ### Moving the glider by hand - **Wing walking**: will always involve monitoring wingtip obstacle clearance during movement. Additionally, a wing walker may be needed to hold the glider wings level during movement, and assist in turning, steering, or rotating the glider. If possible, use a flattened hand over a structural member (ie spar) in the wing to evenly distribute the force. Do not push the glider forward or backward using the wingtip. - **Pushing**: the appropriate location to push on a glider varies with the specific model, but will generally be a structurally reinforced part of the fuselage. For example, many composite gliders should be pushed on the upper surface of the fuselage, behind the canopy and clear of any openings or attach points. - **Rotating**: without the use of dollies, most gliders will need to be held in a level attitude to rotate about the main wheel on the surface, without dragging nose/tail wheels/skids. The appropriate location to push or lift from is glider specific, but will generally be a structurally reinforced part of the fuselage or tail. Ensure that a wing walker is always positioned at the upwind wing as the orientation of the glider changes. ### Moving the glider with a tow vehicle Ensure that a clear plan and channel of communication exists between the vehicle operator and other ground crew members; at least one wing walker should be used. The vehicle operator should use caution to take up slack slowly and avoid jerking the glider, and drive no faster than a slow walking pace. Disconnect the tow line/tow bar when the operation is complete; never secure a glider or park a vehicle while the two are still connected. Ideally, tow lines should be the length of the glider's wingspan, but must never be less than half the wingspan. This way, if one wingtip stops moving, the other wingtip cannot strike the vehicle. If the vehicle is towing the glider too quickly, or control of the glider is at all in question, release the tow line and bring the glider to a stop. ### Securing The glider should be secured any time it is left unattended. The canopy must be closed and latched, flight controls secured, and the glider restrained from moving under the influence of any disturbances, such as wind or propeller blast. Methods for securing vary by location, availability, and expected conditions, but may include: - Permanent tie-down installations, exterior gust locks, and exterior covers for long term securing - Tie-down kit (ie stakes or screws), spoilers open, and flight controls secured with seatbelt for short term securing - Weight placed on the lowered, upwind wing; this should only be used for very brief periods, in very light winds, and in the absence of propeller/jet blast Practices for orienting the glider with respect to the wind vary with glider model, securing method used, and operator preference. When in doubt, consult the appropriate resources. ### References - FAA, *Glider Flying Handbook* - FAA, *Practical Test Standards for Glider Category* - Soaring Safety Foundation, *Ground Handling*, [[Wing Runner Course - Ground Handling](https://www.soaringsafety.org/learning/wingrunner/groundhandling.html)] - Gliding Australia, *Ground Handling and Signals Pilot Guide*, [[Ground Handling and Signals](https://doc.glidingaustralia.org/index.php?option=com_docman&view=download&alias=2996-gpc-2-ground-handling-signals-pilot-guide-rev-1&category_slug=pilot-guides&Itemid=101)]