Erik Mann posted:

I'm sure Chip has already responded. In case he hasn't: When I last
spoke with him about the WM a couple of months back, he wasn't planning
to build any more. He might be convinced to change his mind, but I
doubt it.

He doesn't read the AOL account too frequently, but he DOES check it.

Sorry for being late responding. Erik Mann and I are employed by the
same consulting firm and I've been focusing on nothing but work
recently. My work is my life. I'm absolutely dedicated to nothing else.


I do plan to build WingMates again. I just don't know when. I've got
most of the parts in my workshop but they're fairly labor intensive to
construct (like a lot of other things in my past, I'd do it differently
if I could do it over again). And I missed the logical winter off
season again this year so it will be a while. In the meantime, there
are used ones. I was able to connect a seller and buyer last year to
their mutual satisfaction. FWIW, I did vary the dimensions of the wing
"cuff" for individual buyers but there are only a handful of standard
sizes. So if you find one that was built for, say, an LS-6, I can
probably tell you if it will fit your glider.

In the meantime, Udo's rig (and others of similar design) works fine
for what it is designed to do: carry the entire wing. Mine was intended
for a slightly different purpose: i.e., rapid solo rigging/derigging
anywhere (on the airport or in a farmer's field) rather than taking the
load off my back. I used to get calls all the time from people with
back problems looking for help rigging their LAK-12, etc., but I always
referred them to the other wingstands. With the WingMate, you still
have to pick up the heavy end of the wingspar and carry it a few steps
to the fuselage. If that's what you're trying to avoid, give Udo or one
of the other guys a call.

If I get some spare time (i.e., our company goes public, I win the
lottery, my daughters are signed to a multi-year
modeling/acting/promotional contract, etc.), I'll post an announcement
here that the WingMate is back.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"