Helpers add complexity and management problems; the minimum
number to handle the weight is usually optimum.

I was owner of 1/4 of a Skylark III for a year; not sure which piece
but it could have been the C.S. Midweek flying meant
being shorthanded but I managed to rig it without hassle
with a (strong) gilrfriend.
1. Remove the fuselage and support in a H steady.
2. remove the CS ( wheels at the inside end in the trailer.
3.lift one end onto a suitable support.
4. lift the other end high enough for the girl friend to wheel
the fuselage under the CS, and roll it a bit to align the
lift fittings with the holes. Insert the long pins.

At 28 I was fit but not especially strong, but 1/2 the CS was manageable,
briefly. We never broke anything, the glider or me.

John F



At 02:08 06 February 2014, Martin Gregorie wrote:
On Wed, 05 Feb 2014 13:17:35 -0800, Bob Kuykendall wrote:

From the perspective of an inveterate pragmatist:

I think it comes down to operationality. Yes, the autoconnects add
complexity. Yes, placing the wing panel separation at the station of
maximum bending moment adds weight.

But what you get in return is a system of parts that allows for easy
storage and transport, rapid assembly, and high reliability. That
system
has been proven to result in good soaring performance at the lowest
possible cost in terms of operator fatigue. And that makes for a more
enjoyable soaring experience. And when it comes down to it, quality of
experience is what we should be trying to maximize here, not
necessarily
quality of performance.

Good point.

I've helped rig one of the Slingsbys which had a three piece wing.
Getting the C/s on was quite a hassle. While it can be done by three
people, having five on the job makes it a lot easier. The problem is that

you have to lift the wing quite high to clear the fuselage and keep it up

while the odd-numbered man attaches the wing to the fuselage. Putting the

tips on is easy but that doen't matter compared with handling the c/s.

One of the local clubs where I fly gas an SZD Pirat, which has a 15m
three-piece wing. They consider attaching and removing the c/s is such a
hassle that its normally left on and just the tips are removed when the
Pirat is put in the hangar.


--
martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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