I noted in John's USA team Blog that he lowers the gear before
rigging. I know other pilots do this too. I have to ask why.

For modern glass gliders and Cobra trailers ...

Reasons for leaving the gear up until the wings are on:

1. If gear is down and a hydraulic trailer jack bleeds down the
fuselage may fall over and be damaged.

2. If gear is down the fuselage is about 6 inches higher so the crew
has to lift the wing tips 6 inches higher to rig.

3. If solo rigging there is more freedom to adjust the fuselage height
to insert the main pins.

Reasons for putting the gear down:

None that I know of - please enlighten me.


Andy