by BarryL » Wed Jul 07, 2021 10:56 am
Hi Alan,
Regarding the club fleet, l'Hotellier connectors are used on the Astir and the K21. The controls on the Alliance and on the DG505 are self connecting.
l'Hotellier connectors are all a similar ball and socket joint, it is the method of ensuring they stay locked that differs between types. Although the note is entitled Wedekind sleeves, there are 4 other types of locking mechanism. All are intended to prevent the ball and socket popping apart.
The Astir uses R-clips which are fiddly to fit and need careful checking on assembly.
The K21 uses sprung sleeves of the Wedekind type.
It is important that those rigging a glider with l'Hotellier connections understand how the mechanism works and how to check it is correctly locked. When a glider is rigged, a second person who is also familiar with the mechanism should perform a duplicate check.
Once a l'Hotellier connection has been correctly made and locked, it will not fail. There is no need to routinely check l'Hotelier connections other than by the usual positive control checks at DI. In fact, repeatedly checking them may cause the locking mechanism to be disturbed.
I hope this helps.
Barry
Hi Alan,
Regarding the club fleet, l'Hotellier connectors are used on the Astir and the K21. The controls on the Alliance and on the DG505 are self connecting.
l'Hotellier connectors are all a similar ball and socket joint, it is the method of ensuring they stay locked that differs between types. Although the note is entitled Wedekind sleeves, there are 4 other types of locking mechanism. All are intended to prevent the ball and socket popping apart.
The Astir uses R-clips which are fiddly to fit and need careful checking on assembly.
The K21 uses sprung sleeves of the Wedekind type.
It is important that those rigging a glider with l'Hotellier connections understand how the mechanism works and how to check it is correctly locked. When a glider is rigged, a second person who is also familiar with the mechanism should perform a duplicate check.
Once a l'Hotellier connection has been correctly made and locked, it will not fail. There is no need to routinely check l'Hotelier connections other than by the usual positive control checks at DI. In fact, repeatedly checking them may cause the locking mechanism to be disturbed.
I hope this helps.
Barry