Assembly and Storage Techniques The assembly of a glider to include the installation of glider  wings and tail surfaces is classified as operations functions  not preventative maintenance. This information can be found  in Amendment 43-27, published in 52 FR 17276, May 6,  1987 which is an amendment to 14 CFR part 43. Prior to  assembling the glider, the pilot must check the required  documentation that must be on board the glider for flight as  required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal regulations (14  CFR) parts 21 and 91. Required documentation includes: While preparing to assemble a glider, consider the following  elements: location, number of crewmembers, tools and parts  necessary, and checklists that detail the appropriate assembly  procedures. Glider pilots should also develop and follow a  procedure, or procedures, to deal with distractions that may  occur during the glider assembly. Something as simple as  rechecking the previous two steps and then continuing the  checklist steps might be sufficient. The GFM/POH should  contain checklists for assembling and preflighting a glider. If  not, develop one and follow it every flight. Haphazard assembly  and preflight procedures can lead to unsafe conditions. Before assembling a glider, ensure that the glider trailer is  secured with the wheel brake on and the wheels chocked.  Adjust the leveling of the trailer as needed according to the  GFM/POH so the glider can be removed without damaging  items, such as the antenna and other glider components (e.g.,  wings, tips, horizontal elevator). If using a single rigging  device, ensure that the wing holder is adjusted so the wing  does not slide out of the holder and become damaged by  striking or falling to the ground. Find a location that shields the project from the elements and  offers enough room for completion. Wind is an important  factor to consider during an outdoor assembly. Each wing is  an airfoil whether or not it is connected to the fuselage; even  a gentle breeze is enough to produce lift on the wings, making  them cumbersome or impossible to handle. If assembling the  glider in a spot unshielded from the wind, great care must  still be taken when handling the wings. When performing the assembly inside a hangar, ensure there is  enough room to maneuver the glider’s components throughout  the process. Also, consider the length of time anticipated to  complete the entire procedure, and choose an area that allows  complete undisturbed assembly. Moving the glider during  assembly may cause parts or tools to be misplaced. Wing stands or a wing dolly, the proper tools, wing tape, and  lubricants should be on hand when assembling the glider.  [Figure 6-1] To stay organized, use a written assembly  checklist, and keep an inventory of parts and tools. Some  organizations track tools and components by placing all of  the necessary components and hardware used with necessary  tools on a piece of canvas or material and outlining each  tool. This facilitates a quick inventory before assembly  and afterwards. Once glider assembly is complete, pilots  should account for all parts and tools used during assembly.  Objects inadvertently misplaced in the glider could become  jammed in the flight controls, making control difficult, if not  impossible. In addition, when taping the wing roots, turtle  deck (cover where the flight controls are attached) elevator  and other areas, ensure the tape is placed properly and is  secure. If the seal tape comes off in flight, the tape may cause  control issues with the glider. •  Airworthiness certificate •  Registration •  Required placards •  GFM/POH Figure 6-1.  Wing stands and wing dollies are used as support when  assembling the glider. 6-2