Wing Runner Course
Safe soaring operations depend upon good coordination between the glider pilot, tow pilot, and ground crew. The following articles comprise a web-based course on wingrunning; from ground handling through the actual launch of the glider. This course is based on the standard signals and operating procedures of the Soaring Society of America, which may be found in the Soaring Flight Manual. Newly certificated wingrunners should receive practical instruction on wingrunning at their particular soaring operation before putting their knowledge into practice, as special circumstances often require unique signals and procedures to be used.
Ground Handling
Introduction While safe ground handling is primarily the responsibility of the pilot-in-command of the glider, all members of the ground crew also need to be knowledgeable of these procedures. Safe movement of a glider requires [...]
Assisting the Pilot with Pre-Flight Preparations
Introduction Before the pilot is ready to climb into the glider for takeoff, a number of preparations and safety checks must be completed to ensure that the glider is in an airworthy condition. The pilot [...]
Positioning the Glider for Takeoff
Introduction Once the pilot has completed all required pre-flight checks and is ready for launch, the glider can be positioned on the departure runway. This operation must be performed efficiently to minimize the amount of [...]
Assisting the Pilot with Pre-Takeoff Checklist
Introduction Once the glider has been checked to ensure that it is airworthy (see Assisting the Pilot with Pre-Flight Preparations) and has been positioned for takeoff (see Positioning the Glider for Takeoff), the pilot [...]
Connecting the Towline
Introduction Connecting the towline is one of the most important tasks that the wing runner will be required to accomplish. If this task is completed in a careless or incorrect manner, it could cause the [...]
Launching the Glider
Introduction By now it should be obvious that the responsibility of serving in the capacity of ground crew or wing runner is much more complex than simply running alongside the departing glider's wing. The process [...]
