On Jun 19, 4:13*pm, Alpha Eight wrote:
There is an element of a good safety culture which involves a team.
Train the wing runners to visually check the glider over incluing a
pilots dive brakes and tail dolly when approaching the glider and
before leveling the wings. A simple word to the pilot just after
hooking up, dive brakes and dolly check can save tha day. Same with
noticing that low tire on the tug or a new oil slick on the fuselage.
A heads up wing runner can save they day but they need to be trained
to do this kind of thing in a culture that permits it.

Many years ago I moved wiggled the elavator of a friends ASW-20, now I
do not toch other peoples gliders as a rule, but in this case it was
disconnected - *he was strapped in and next to launch on the grid. Now
that was an interesting conversation.

John Seaborn
A8

Tail dollies and wing wheels, once removed are placed to the side,
forward of the wing tip where the pilot can see it, but far enough
away that the wing runner will not trip over it. Many will call out
loud to the pilot, "TAIL DOLLY REMOVED!" and then hold it up for the
pilot to see and wait form an acknowledgement. Yes, this is at the
risk of interrupting the pilots checklist. Others simply place it
where it can be seen and they tell the wing runner, then quietly
remove it from the launch line (side of the runway) after the glider
is gone.

I've seen a Janus C fly and land safely with a tail dolly. I also like
the "fall away" design of the Grob 104. Listening to the Grob 104 tail
dolly slide down a paved runway gets your attention.

Condolences to the family with this tragic event.
T