I retrofitted Wedekind sleeves to an Astir CS (or more accurately, got this
done as part of the annual Certificate of Airworthiness. As I recall, the
cost was about USD15 per sleeve, with a couple of hours labour (of an
expert) for fitting all four. There are about three different types for
different kinds of hotelier, so quoting glider type, model, year etc. is
essential.

Worth every penny, because (a) connecting took seconds per Hotelier, and (b)
I knew that the security of the connection couldn't work loose in flight,
unlike the R clips we used previously which *might* (though never did) fall
out of the hole in the wedge. R clips are OK for (a), once you get used to
fitting them by feel, but often your hands are greasy, or you're just
clumsy, or life is against you. Plus, what happens if you drop an R clip
(even if tied to wires they can slide out) - only 2% of the pilots I know
would have a spare!

I own an Open Cirrus which, like the Pegase, has Hoteliers behind the spar -
this has Wedekinds for those Hoteliers which is essential, as they can only
be connected by feel. Our club Pegase has Wedekinds.

I think this is a no-brainer.

"Mike" wrote in message
om...
I was watching my friend struggle with (AD required)safty wires for
Hotellier connectors on his recently purchased Pegasus. He said the
AD notes alternatives to the safty wires like the Wedekind sleeves.
Anyone know if these are retrofittable and where they can be obtained.
I'm sure this has been hashed out on RAS before but I'm new to the
group so apologize for the clutter. TIA:

Mike