Chip Bearden wrote:

And since this was posted during a "how to tie down a glider" thread,
I'll also weigh in with: just put it in the box.

This is the best idea for people with small, lightweight gliders, like
Chip's, or an ASW 27. Consider the situation for pilot of an 18 M
motorglider, like myself or Mitch, who asked the question. The wing
panels are 30 feet long, with about 40% more area than a ASW 27, and
weigh 160 pounds each. It's not just the weight, which can be avoided
with a rigging dolly, but also the larger wing makes it harder in the wind.

And, the fuselage with the motor is almost 500 pounds. Tying it down is
definitely quicker and easier than derigging/rigging. Factor in a weak
back, and it's really attractive.

I tied down once in
the last 30 years and there was so much dew on the wings in the
morning and I so worried about the potential for damage that I
resolved never to do it again.

Come out West, where "dew" is what you drink! Excess humidity is not a
problem for us, and wing covers might solve the problem where you fly.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
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