A.I.R. ATOS “Q” Series Set Up Error….

The “Q” series by A.I.R. represents all of the model ATOS’s that use the “Quick Setup System”.  Typically the set up process includes connecting one wing “half” to the other and connecting a sweep cord that stabilizes the two halves during the setup process.  Recently, posted on the Yahoo Rigid wing forum there was an incident where a set up error was made and miraculously did not have a fatal outcome. For clarity, I thought I would post an example of the mistake and point out a minor change that would greatly reduce the likelihood of this sort of mistake being made.

Here is an example of the correct configuration of the control rigging during the setup process:



Here is an example of the error made during setup:


Ok, for sure this is bad news for the control system. And yes, a proper preflight and control system check would have turned up the fact that something obvious was wrong. Still, the pilot got into the air with the glider rigged incorrectly (and was very fortunate to have maintained enough control to get the glider back onto the ground…. )

Apart from the improperly rigged glider and the poor pre-flight, how did this happen?  I assume one of two possibilities could have resulted in the control system being rigged wrong:

-The Sweep cord fell back into the wing/sail prior to its connection to the keel. The pilot then reached into the sail to the anchor point of the sweep cord and located the cord but was “in front” of the control cable and pulled the cord out of the wing but on the wrong (front) side of the control cable.

-The second possibility was the control cable was accidently pulled through the sail opening during the setup (control bar end of the cable). The cable, now loose inside the sail was incorrectly re routed back through the sail but overtop of the Sweep cord.. (Of course, it could have been a combination of both mistakes?).

For sure, a proper PRE-FLIGHT-INSPECTION would have discovered the problem. Still, even if the the problem was discovered the mistake could have resulted in damage being caused to the sail or cable during the rest of the assembly process.

To avoid/reduce the potential of making this mistake I suggest all Q series owners make the effort to use a small velcro or Neoprene protector on the control bar end of the control cable. Not only will this protect the sail and flaps from damage caused by the hardware on the cable end it will help prevent the control cable from accidently being pulled through the sail opening during the setup.



For those inquiring minds that want to know if this is something that I did…?…. Nope, not me but I do thank the pilot that posted the incident on the Yahoo Rigid Wing forum.  A pilot who I’m sure will be more then happy to do a proper pre-flight the next time out!
Cheers