Specifications

SONIC OWNERS MANUAL

Version 1.01 11

PRE-FLIGHT CHECK

On the Sonic many of the assemblies and parts to check that are normally visible on

beginner or intermediate-type gliders are concealed to reduce parasitic drag. It is still

imperative that you have a complete and systematic checking procedure that is

performed before every flight.

It is best to start at the same place and follow the same routine, returning to the start

point for every pre-flight. If you are distracted part way through the checks, return to

your start point and begin again.

A worthwhile habit to develop is to touch or point to each component that you are

checking. This ensures that the check is more than just a cursory glance.

In the set-up procedures, the last step was to check the hang loops and clip in the

harness.

Starting from the hang loops and harness:

1. Move to the top of the control bar assembly. Check that the nuts are secure and

that thread shows beyond the head of the Nyloc nuts.

2. Check base of king post; nuts are secure and plastic saddles are not cracked or

split.

3. Open under-surface zipper. Check crossbar assembly ensuring nuts are secure,

and ball is centred in socket joints.

4. Sight along each crossbar looking for dings, dents and bends. At leading edge-

crossbar junction check that top and bottom wires have no twisted thimbles or

tangs.

5. Inspect the back of each leading edge ensuring that no dings or crazing are

evident. Check that all battens are sitting correctly: top surface battens over and

in front of leading edges, and under-surface battens are beneath leading edge.

Close under-surface zipper.

6. Sight back along keel ensuring tension cable is not twisted and that keel is not

bent or damaged. Do the same forward, and run your hands along the keel as

you move to the nose area.

The harness already attached to the glider, and unless you intend to fly without

getting into your harness, then you should never launch without being clipped

into the glider.