On Jun 3, 7:43*pm, wrote:
Please name one accident of a glider with auto hookups that could have
been prevented by a positive control check. I sure don't know any. A
seized bearing will be detected by simply moving the stick. In all
gliders I know there is no scenario of control failure that would
necessitate a positive control check for detection.

I know of one accident that was prevented by a positive control check
on a glider with automatic hookups. An Arizona pilot with a Ventus
experienced an elevator push rod failure during a positive control
check. Many will remember the hole drilling and push rod inspections
that happened around that time.

I also know it is possible to assemble some gliders with the automatic
wing hook ups not engaged. That should be detectbale by a free and
correct check though.

Automatic control hook ups are not the panacea that many think and I
never cease to be surprised that some people think that gliders with
manual hookups are inherently unsafe. They are not. It's the pilots
that don't do adequate preflight inspection that are unsafe.


Andy