TrikeBuggy Training Syllabus

Setup & Preflight
Before you fly you will want to do a complete setup and preflight check. The reason we complete a thorough, methodical preflight before you launch is:

1. To check for damage, wear, and the overall airworthiness of your glider
2. To check that you've completed all necessary steps in setting up your glider and preparing yourself to fly, and
3. Because finding and correcting a problem on the ground is much easier than doing so in the air.

Setup
In order to launch, we must first prepare ourselves for flight. Every pilot must first decide when to fly. The most important factor in pilot safety is not the level of pilot skill, knowledge or the quality of the pilot's equipment. It is the pilot's attitude. Really good pilots with years of experience and skill and the best equipment get into trouble when they decide they have to fly "no matter what!"

You must be able to choose not to fly when the conditions are not right for you. As a student, both you and your instructor will make the decision that the conditions are favorable and it's time to fly. You must give the go ahead before you will fly.

Setup is done before your preflight, and includes many things that are reviewed before flight, such as,

• Weather conditions and wind. Continue checking this important factor until launch. Is it really appropraite to fly?
• Glider, riser and line inspection. Look at your gear every time you fly. Look for tears in the canopy, frayed or knotted lines, loose Carabiners on the risers where the lines attach, brake toggle knots, etc.
• Zip up your zippers, check for loose straps and items. All instruments, radios, etc. on lanyards.
• Check the trimmers position on your glider if it has them and adjust for high/low wind.
• Turn on your instruments - Vario, GPS, Radio, Camera, etc. Check battery levels.
• When you are using a reserve parachute, check that it is securely in place and the pin is installed correctly.
• Check Weather again!
• Launch path - Clear and unobstructed? Rotors? Traffic? Anything to avoid? Enough room to launch safely?

1 - Helmet strap buckled.
2 - Carabiners attached properly to risers.
3 - Harness straps or seat belt attached and buckled.
A - Air conditions, weather check, wind check, no T-storms, appropriate conditions.
B - Being, check pilot's attitude, health, desire, denial.
C - Clear lines, glider laid out, brakes in proper hands,
D - Do a radio check (includes all instruments).

...we won't actually add these to the list, but they are worth reviewing:
E - Take a second or two to ENJOY the fact that you are about to take flight!
F - FLY!!!

The above preflight should take no more than 12 seconds, and should be done before each and every flight. If this preflight takes longer due to anything found and corrected, do it again from the beginning. Say while physically checking "1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D."