Glider Rigging

Make sure to check out the latest revision of Safety Information Bulletin SIB-2019-07 in February 2025, available on the EASA Safety Publications Tool, 

Conscientious Glider Rigging – Getting It Right Before You Fly

Rigging a glider is one of those tasks that can seem routine, part of the daily rhythm of soaring operations. But as we reminded readers in our recent Sunny Swift article on “Conscientious Rigging”, it remains a safety-critical activity where small oversights can have catastrophic consequences.

In recent years, several serious accidents have been linked to incomplete or incorrect rigging. From wings detaching in flight to control linkages being left disconnected, the lesson is clear: rigging deserves the same discipline and focus as flying itself.

Why rigging demands your full attention

Rigging and derigging are periods of heightened risk. Distraction, time pressure, or misplaced confidence can lead to errors that go unnoticed until airborne.
That’s why EASA’s Sunny Swift article highlights that the process should be treated as a deliberate, methodical operation, not a social or hurried activity.
A safe rigging process starts with a clear mindset: no distractions, no assumptions, and no shortcuts.

Key safety reminders from our article

Our Sunny Swift: Conscientious Rigging story set out several practical takeaways that every pilot and club should reinforce:

• Assign clear responsibility: One person must be in charge of the rigging process, from start to finish. Shared responsibility can easily become no responsibility.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Each glider type has its own quirks, from wing pins to control connectors. Keep the rigging manual handy and follow it step by step.
• Avoid interruptions: If you’re distracted, stop. When you restart, go back a few steps and re-confirm progress. Never “pick up where you left off.”
• Perform a positive control check: This final, tactile verification, confirming that every control surface moves correctly, has saved many lives. Do it every time, even if the glider has automatic connections.
• Encourage independent checks: A second pair of eyes can catch what yours might miss. Encourage clubmates to verify your work, and do the same for them.

Human factors matter most

Many rigging errors are not mechanical — they’re human. Fatigue, distractions, routine complacency, or over-familiarity can all lead to skipped steps.
That’s why building a culture of conscientious rigging within the gliding community is vital.

Good practices include:

• Training all members on rigging procedures and safety principles.
• Using tailored checklists for each glider type.
• Introducing visible cues (such as red “remove before flight” tags or colour-coded pins).
• Fostering an environment where anyone can say, “Let’s stop and check that again.”

Remember, “automatic” does not mean “foolproof.” Even with modern fittings, inspection and positive control checks remain essential.

A simple checklist for conscientious rigging

1. Prepare properly: Have tools, manuals, and helpers ready.
2. Rig methodically: One step at a time, no distractions.
3. Confirm each connection: Visual and physical confirmation.
4. Lock and secure: Safety pins, bolts, and locking devices in place.
5. Positive control check: Full and correct control movement verified.
6. Independent verification: Another person confirms the rigging status.
7. Final walk-around: No loose tools, open panels, or missing covers.

A shared safety responsibility

Rigging isn’t just a mechanical task, it’s a demonstration of professionalism and respect for the aircraft, your team, and yourself. Every correct connection is a link in the safety chain.

As we emphasised in our Sunny Swift Edition 31, safety in gliding starts long before take-off.
A conscientious, distraction-free, and thoroughly checked rigging process is one of the simplest — yet most powerful — ways to prevent accidents.

In summary

• Treat rigging as part of your flight safety routine, not an afterthought.
• Always perform a positive control check before launch.
• Use checklists and independent verification.
• Promote a club culture that values speaking up and taking time to get it right.

Because when it comes to rigging, “good enough” isn’t safe enough.