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.

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.


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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]


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]




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.


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]



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