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Weight, Loading, and Transporting (Part Two) Setup and Takedown

Filed Under: WSC Preflight and Ground Operations

Setting Up the WSC Aircraft

Find a suitable area to set up the wing, such as grass, cement, or pavement out of the wind. Inside a large hangar is preferable since wind gusts are not a problem. If setting up outside, align the wing perpendicular to the wind. Most wings set up with the same basic procedure shown in Figures 5-11 through 5-33, but the POH should be referenced for the specific WSC aircraft.

Figure 5-11. Wing positioned for setup.
Figure 5-11. Wing positioned for setup.

Rotate the wing bag so the zipper is facing up. [Figure 5-11] Unzip the bag. When setting up the wing, pay close attention to the specific pads, where they are located, and how they are attached for each component of the wing. As shown in Figure 5-12, the padding is made specifically for the control frame between the downtubes and the control bar. If every pad is not utilized when taking it down and transporting, there will be wear on components with cosmetic and/or structural damage to the wing. The POH may specify where pads go during the setup and takedown. However, when setting up any wing it is a good idea to take pictures, draw sketches, or take notes regarding protective pad location so they can be put back in the proper location during take down.

Figure 5-12. Wing cover bag unzipped, showing unique padding around control frame corner brackets.
Figure 5-12. Wing cover bag unzipped, showing unique padding around control frame corner brackets.
Figure 5-13. Assembling control frame.
Figure 5-13. Assembling control frame.

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Assemble the triangular control frame without attaching the wires to the nose. [Figure 5-13] Rotate the wing up onto its control frame. [Figure 5-14] Place the front wires near the control bar so no one walks on them, remove, and roll up the cover bag. [Figure 5-15] Release the wing tie straps that are holding the leading edges together. [Figure 5-16] Spread the wing slightly. Remove the pads from the wing keel and kingpost. Note the protective pads still on the wingtips protecting them from the ground during most of the wing set up procedure. [Figure 5-17] Continually manage the wing pads and wing tie straps by rolling the pads into the cover bag so they do not blow away. [Figure 5-18] If the kingpost is loose, insert it onto the keel to stand upright. If the kingpost is attached, swing it upright. Topless wings have no kingpost. Spread the wings as necessary to keep the kingpost straight up, [Figure 5-19] spreading them out carefully and evenly. Do not force anything. Ensure the wires are not wrapped around anything. Separate the right and left battens. Separate the straight battens (for a double surface wing) and set them to the side. Lay out the battens, longest to shortest from the root to the tip next to the pocket they go into on both sides. Note the protective pads are still on the wing tips so they are protected. [Figure 5-20] Insert the battens into the batten pockets, starting at the root and work out to the tip. [Figure 5-21] Most batten attachments are double pull. [Figure 5-22] Some manufacturers use cord or elastic, and others use a system that slips into the sail itself. See the POH for wing details. Insert battens from the root towards the tip about ¾ the way out on each side. Leave the tip battens for later. Spread the wings as far as possible. [Figure 5-23] Check to ensure all the wires are straight, not wrapped around, and clear to tension the wing. Tension the wing by pulling back on the crossbar tensioning cable and pulling the crossbar back into position. This may require significant effort for some wings. Secure the tensioning cable to the back of the keel. [Figure 5-24] If the keel does not extend out, then support the aft end of the keel to lift the tips off of the ground. [Figure 5-25] Move to the front and secure the front control frame flying wires to the underside nose attachment. [Figure 5-26] Remove the tip bag protectors and install the tip battens, continuing to move from the root to the tips on each side. Insert the washout strut into the leading edge. Each manufacturer has its own washout strut systems and tip battens. Some manufacturers have no washout struts. Refer to the POH for wing specifics. [Figure 5-27]

Figure 5-14. Rotating the wing onto its control frame.
Figure 5-14. Rotating the wing onto its control frame.
Figure 5-15. Placing the front wires at the control frame.
Figure 5-15. Placing the front wires at the control frame.
Figure 5-16. Removing the straps holding the two wings together.
Figure 5-16. Removing the straps holding the two wings together.
Figure 5-17. Wings spread slightly to raise the kingpost.
Figure 5-17. Wings spread slightly to raise the kingpost.
Figure 5-18. Pads and wing tie straps neatly rolled into wing cover bag.
Figure 5-18. Pads and wing tie straps neatly rolled into wing cover bag.
Figure 5-19. Raising the kingpost and spreading the wings as needed to keep the kingpost upright.
Figure 5-19. Raising the kingpost and spreading the wings as needed to keep the kingpost upright.
Figure 5-20. Wings spread and battens organized to insert into wings. Note small stepladder holding up keel.
Figure 5-20. Wings spread and battens organized to insert into wings. Note small stepladder holding up keel.
Figure 5-21. Inserting batten into batten pocket.
Figure 5-21. Inserting batten into batten pocket.
Figure 5-22. Attaching double pull batten (inset). Batten secured into batten pocket.
Figure 5-22. Attaching double pull batten (inset). Batten secured into batten pocket.
Figure 5-23. Wing ready to tension.
Figure 5-23. Wing ready to tension.
Figure 5-24. Attaching the tensioning cables to the back of the wing to complete the wing tensioning step.
Figure 5-24. Attaching the tensioning cables to the back of the wing to complete the wing tensioning step.
Figure 5-25. The wing tensioned.
Figure 5-25. The wing tensioned.
Figure 5-26. Attaching the front flying wires to the nose attachment.
Figure 5-26. Attaching the front flying wires to the nose attachment.
Figure 5-27. Installing the wing tip battens.
Figure 5-27. Installing the wing tip battens.

Insert bottom battens for a double surface. If inside a hangar where there is no wind, this can be done by putting the nose down, making it easier to install the lower battens. [Figure 5-28] If not already accomplished, lift up on the back of the keel and put the wing on its nose. Lower the undercarriage mast and line up the undercarriage behind the wing exactly in the middle. Move the undercarriage forward and attach the mast to the proper hang point location on the wing keel. Consult the POH for the proper hang point for desired trim, speed, and loading at this time. Attach the backup cable at this time also. [Figure 5-29]

Figure 5-28. Installing the lower surface battens.
Figure 5-28. Installing the lower surface battens.
Figure 5-29. Attaching the mast to the wing after checking the POH for the proper hang point location.
Figure 5-29. Attaching the mast to the wing after checking the POH for the proper hang point location.

Lift up the nose and let the carriage roll backward until the wing is level and the control bar is in front of the front wheel of the carriage. Engage the parking brake and chock the back of the carriage wheels. Ensure everything in the flight deck is free and clear so the wing can be lifted freely into position. [Figure 5-30] Lift the wing into position and lock the carriage mast. This position is unique to each manufacturer as some masts hinge above the flight deck. Refer to the POH for details on a specific aircraft. [Figure 5-31] Install the carriage front tube. Secure the control bar to the front tube with a bungee. [Figure 5-32] Attach any fairing or seats as required. [Figure 5-33]

Figure 5-30. Wing in position and carriage chocked to lift the wing.
Figure 5-30. Wing in position and carriage chocked to lift the wing.
Figure 5-31. Lifting the wing up into position.
Figure 5-31. Lifting the wing up into position.
Figure 5-32. Attaching the front tube.
Figure 5-32. Attaching the front tube.
Figure 5-33. Installing the seats.
Figure 5-33. Installing the seats.

An alternate method of setting up the wing is to do so on the ground. This is not preferable because the sail is susceptible to getting dirty. However, this method could be used for setting up wings if it is windy or if recommended by a particular manufacturer. The ground method steps are the same as those in the assembly procedure except after the control bar is assembled, the wing is rolled over so the control frame is under the wing. The wing is assembled as if it were standing on its control frame. After the wing is tensioned, the nose is lifted, the control frame pulled forward, and the nose wire secured. This is not a common practice, and the POH should be reviewed for details on this method if it is allowed by the manufacturer.

Taking Down the WSC Aircraft

Find a suitable area to take down the wing, preferably grass, cement, or pavement out of the wind. The best place is in a large hangar so no wind gusts can affect the takedown. If outside, align the wing perpendicular to the wind.

It is important to note that during the take down process, all protective pads must be put in the proper place so that no hardware can rub against the sail or frame during transport. The POH should specify what pads go where. Overall, pad everything along the wing keel plus the kingpost to prevent cosmetic and/or structural damage occurring during transport.

Taking down a WSC aircraft is done in the reverse order of assembly with the following additional steps provided to get the wing neatly packed and organized into the bag. After the wing is detensioned and the battens have been removed from the wing, keep the right and left battens separate for easier sorting during the next assembly.

Figure 5-34. Padding the keel and kingpost with the right hand sail over the top of the leading edge.
Figure 5-34. Padding the keel and kingpost with the right hand sail over the top of the leading edge.
Figure 5-35. Left hand side rolled up and secured with wing tie. Rolling right hand sail which will also be secured with wing tie.
Figure 5-35. Left hand side rolled up and secured with wing tie. Rolling right hand sail which will also be secured with wing tie.

Carefully bring the wings in towards the keel and pull the sail material out and over the top of the leading edges. Lower the kingpost and pad it top and bottom. This is also the time to pad the area underneath where the control frame is attached to the keel and where the wires are attached to the rear of the keel. [Figure 5-34] Bring the leading edges to the keel and keep the sail pulled out over the top of the leading edge, roll it up, and tuck the sail into the leading edge stiffener. Fasten around the leading edge with sail ties. [Figure 5-35] It is best to take one sail tie and secure the two leading edges together so it fits into the bag. [Figure 5-36] Continue with the reverse order (bag on, flip wing over, and disassemble control frame at downtube and control bar junction). After the control frame is disassembled and laid flat along the wing as shown, the wires are not organized. [Figure 5-37] Pull the cables forward towards the nose and organize them so they are straight. Install the protective control frame pads and carefully zip up the bag while tucking everything in so there is no stress on the zipper. [Figure 5-38]

Figure 5-36. Securing both leading edges together so the wing easily fits into the bag.
Figure 5-36. Securing both leading edges together so the wing easily fits into the bag.
Figure 5-37. Control bar folded down along leading edges but wires not yet organized.
Figure 5-37. Control bar folded down along leading edges but wires not yet organized.
Figure 5-38. Carefully zipping bag with minimum stress by tucking in wires and organizing components.
Figure 5-38. Carefully zipping bag with minimum stress by tucking in wires and organizing components.

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