Wuzzup dawgs!  There's been some discussion of late about how wing-running should work.  It's an integral part of soaring operations, and really should be standardized so everyone, including the tow-pilot, knows what to expect.  Get on line and take the SSA's wingrunner course, and you'll have most of your questions answered.  Don't serve as wing runner until you review this course.  Here is a very brief synopsis:

• The wing runner clears the area around the glider of people and movable obstructions.
   

• The wing runner checks the glider canopy for security and that all external devices such as wing and tail dollies are removed. The wing runner should also confirm that the glider's spoilers / divebrakes are closed.
• The wing runner checks the traffic pattern for conflicting traffic and ensures that the area ahead and to the sides is clear of obstructions. These include parked gliders, vehicles, spectators, and anything else that could constitute a collision hazard if the tow were to be aborted.
• Once the glider pilot has signaled appropriately, the wing runner gives the signal to the tow pilot to remove slack
• The wing runner should announce that the "pattern is clear" or point out conflicting traffic.
• If necessary, the wing runner signals "hold" to indicate to the tow pilot to hold position.
• After giving the glider pilot information on traffic, wait for his thumbs up - THEN lift the wing.
• Do NOT give the "Take off signal" until you see the glider rudder waggle.

  Here's a few of Buster's tips:

  (1) Only one wing runner, please.  I know everyone wants to be helpful, but the more people out by the glider, the more confusion and potential for a mistake.  The pilot and tow pilot need to be watching only one person.

  (2) The tow pilot is watching for the glider's wing to be lifted as a sign everyone is ready to go.  If the wing is down and he sees a rudder waggle, he assumes it is a control check.  Don't lift the wing until you get a thumbs up from the pilot.  Even then, you might not want to lift it if you see something amiss, like last minute traffic.

  (3) Don't move in front of the wing while giving the "take up slack" signal.  A tow pilot with a heavy throttle hand might trip you up.  We might just all have a good laugh, or at worst, we'll be repairing a damaged wing or broken leg.
   

At last count, the club is pretty evenly split over the wing up/wing down vote.  Maybe we should leave it up to the CFIGs.  See you at the field!

Buster

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