Volume 7 Issue 1
January 2001

Calendar of Events

Soaring in January

One Word - "Too Cold"

Blanik Safety Bulletin

SUBJECT: Additional Pre-flight Inspection and Ground Handling Actions

This advisory is the result of coordination between teh Soaring Safety foundation and Blanik America, Inc. in an effort to extend the service life of Blanik gliders with swiveling tail wheels.  It recommends ground handling procedures that will aid in the prevention of additional stress to the glider's tail section and additional preflight inpection procedures.

Preflight
Is is recommended that during the pre-flight inspection the following procedures are added to the visual inpection of the tail surfaces:

1.  Horizontal Stabilizer: At the outer tip, gently move the stabilizer up and down to feel the ammount of play.  The play should not allow more than 4mm (1/6 inch) of up and down movement.
2.  Vertical Stabilizer: Gently pull from side to side at the top of the vertical stabilizer, then gently push teh leading edge of the vertical stabilizer towards the rudder.  The vertical stabilizer should have a solid feel, indication it is firmly attached and show no fore and aft rocking or side to side movement.

Ground Handling
It is recommended that clubs and commercial operators instruct users of L-13, L13AC and L23 Blanik aircraft in the proper ground handling of these types of sialplanes.

These gliders should NOT be puched backwards (tail first) because forces on the tail undercarriage are exerted in the opposite direction than for which it as designed - i.e. takeoff and landing.  This is expecially important at airports with uneven, rutty terrain.  Also, users should be instructed NEVER move the glider especially backwards, by pushing on the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer.

Spring 2001 Safety Seminar

The Annual Safety Seminar is a required part of the Omaha Soaring safety program. Accomplishing the seminar is a requirement for all of us, and attending the seminar is the best and easiest method of meeting the requirement.   All members are urged to attend the live edition of the eminar.  This year several of us will be making presentations so there will be only one seminar offered.   Yes we will again make a video tape for those who just cannot attend.  This year's theme is an emphasis of back to basics.  We will have discussions of ground handling and pre launch, takeoff and tow, in flight, thermal safety and techniques, approach and landing.  Yes, there will be a required quiz to celebrate completion of the seminar and we should be able to complete it on the spot.   Attending is good.  Details follow below.

When: Saturday February 24, and starting at 10 AM sharp. (planned for two hours)
Where: N.P.Dodge real estate office (courtesy of John Seigel) 12915 West Dodge Road Omaha

Where is that? It is on the south side frontage road to West Dodge Toad between 120th and 132nd.
How do I get there?  From I-680 and West Dodge Road intersection, go West on West Dodge to 120th and 132dn both bridge over West Dodge.  If Westbound you need to get off to the right at 120th and then go south over West Dodge to the first legal right turn on the frontage road.  (It is poorly marked but a street sign on the corner says Davenport).  Follow the frontage toad past the back of Burke High for about nine tenths of a mile to the office which is well marked.  You can also get off at 132nd and come back to the East a short distance after crossing over West Dodge.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone and getting our 2001 season off to a good start.

Jaime Alexander
Flight Officer