Solo Rigging Equipment

I was traveling on biz and missed this thread.

But all the salient points were covered. I'm not currently making the
WingMate but will eventually get back to it (i.e., when my job is less
consuming, the kids go off to college, and/or my life calms down). In
the meantime...

1. Udo's rig (and those like it) works pretty well based on what I've
seen and heard. I tried that approach but didn't like it because I
wanted something usable in the lousy fields I often pick (the WingMate
doesn't really roll so you can use it anywhere). And, at the time, I
was younger and didn't have a bad back. And I wanted to be able to
assemble in the same elapsed time as with a helper, and with equal or
better security. I found those easier to achieve once I gave up having
the wingstand carry the entire wing in a big-wheeled dolly.
2. As a result, the WingMate is NOT a "back saver"--you still must
lift the heavy end of the spar and carry it a few steps to the
fuselage. It does stabilize the wing in the vertical position so you
can carry with both hands without having to worry about it wobbling.
I've found it's easier on my back now to rig/derig using the WingMate
than with a helper for this reason. If I had a much heavier wing, I
might have to rethink my approach.
3. Wind is bad no matter what gadget you're using. I've used mine in
the 20+ kts. range but it requires a little more planning and care. If
the trailer is oriented the wrong way or it's really gusty, I'll grab
someone just to stand by the wingtip for the few seconds when the wing
is vertical (i.e., broadside to the wind). That partially defeats the
purpose of solo rigging but it's easier on my heart. There's no way
I'd attempt it at 40 kts.!
4. It's pretty easy to solo rig without expensive special wingstands.
I did it the first time using cushions and the hood of a car. Others
have used bar stools and homemade stands. Where the special equipment
comes in handy is speed (of setting up the equipment as well as
riigging the glider), safety (from dropping, from wind, from breaking
something), and the ease of storing it in the front of the trailer.
5. The WingMate works best with clamshell type trailers (Cobra, Komet)
and on 15M or longer spans. The Udo wingstand is probably more
adaptable to other combinations.

I've been solo rigging for 25 years with no plans to change and I'm
happy to respond to queries at this email address and often do. Sorry
I missed the original poster's email; it's possible AOL's spam filter
may have intercepted it. I do occasionally hear about used WingMates
for sale and have made several referrals that resulted in sales. I
nearly always have pilots asking about it so if you have one and don't
need it, let me know.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"