Check the type certificate data sheet for your glider and the equipment
list.Â* The TCDS for my Stemme said words something like, "Everything in
the equipment list PLUS a canopy breaker tool".

There was no canopy breaker tool in my 12-year old ship when I imported
it into the US and the Designated Airworthiness Representative issued an
Airworthiness Certificate for the ship, anyway.

As soon as I noticed the requirement, I installed a canopy breaker in
the cockpit.Â* Perhaps you'll find similar wording about the headrest or
lack of same.Â* With no stated requirement, I'd argue with the
authorities.Â* Probably a losing battle, but one worth fighting.

On 9/6/2019 9:36 PM, Charlie Quebec wrote:
In news, some no life low life has reported me to the airworthiness authorities for removing the headrest.
It’s interesting, if a tall pilot removes the seat back with an integrated headrest to fit in the glider, that must be illegal too.
I’m waiting a response from the authority as to whether removing the head rest is allowable ot not.
I can find no reference to it in the manuals, and it’s certainly not required equipment as per the risk.
I wonder if my accuser has the guts to admit it here, or will just crawl back under their rock. Perhaps they can show their source for the claim of illegality?
I’m not holding my breath, this kind of petty pedant is a sad fact of live In the parochial backwater in which I live.
I’m pretty sure I know who it is, and the laughable thing is I know damn well if I was one of his mates, doing an illegal mod, he would have said nothing.

--
Dan, 5J