BGA SAFETY FLASH
Ballast Weights
Clubs and pilots are reminded of the vital importance of ensuring that weights used for light pilots are properly secured.
There have been several recent incidents of weights coming partially loose and interfering with the controls. Very serious
accidents have only been averted by good fortune.
Clubs should exercise very careful control, especially as these weights are often used for young early solo pilots.
• Use only the weights permitted by the glider manual, fixed as specified in the manual. All weights should be painted a bright colour. Do not use unsecured lead cushions.
• There should be a ready means of ascertaining how many weights are needed for each pilot.
• Establish a system so that weights intended for one glider type are not used in a different type where they may not be reliably secure
• Ensure that the correct bolts or other fixings are used. Ideally, where such fixings do not stay in the glider they should be captive in the weights
• A responsible person should check the installation before flight. It is a good idea to require a timed entry in the DI book
• Ensure that weights are completely removed from the glider after flight with an update if any entry was made in the DI book.
BGA Safety Flashes offer general advice. They must not be construed as referring to any particular incident.