Weak links

I've been trying to figure out the attachments for both ends of the tow rope.  Based on today's research, it appears common for sailplanes to have a weak link on both ends, including a 25% higher load rating on the tow-plane side.  It appears common for hang gliders to have two releases for redundancy.  Lots of learning.

Here is what I've come up with for the car side.  I have a fid on order to do an eye splice in the rope (yellow).  The eye can accept a pre-made weak link loop (neon yellow) with a double lark's head knot.  The welded ring can be put onto the loop with a single lark's head.  This setup mates the release to the rope.

On the airborne end, I'm working toward the as-designed release mechanism.  A parachute release pin is in the mail, and after "borrowing" a hair loop from my better half, all the components will be in play.  We'll see how it all looks together next weekend.

To-do's before the first flight are now:

• figure out how all of Goat parts transport together
  
• take all of Goat for its first trip around the neighborhood 
• finish weld the upper rail to the vertical supports -- need Argon
• finish weld the frame joints -- need Argon
• UV paint on the plywood decking -- paint arrived
• buy weak-links and end rings
• put eye splices in tow rope ends
• sort out car-side weak link and ring
• sort out plane-side weak link and release
• do a very thorough pre-flight check
• do a weight & balance
• get radios -- need 1x airborne, 1x in car

Deferred until after the first-flight:

• leather patch to wing tips where will rub the ground
• leather patch guides for elevator control lines
• trim color paint
• wing root kiss seal
• main strut fairings
• jury strut fairings
  
• emergency parachute
  
• drogue chute
• variometer