Before any glider is flown, it undergoes a daily inspection (DI). This is a check of all the functional parts of the aircraft to ensure that there are no problems which would affect its airworthiness. This check is carried out only once on any day, and the DI book is signed.

After the DI and before the first flight, cable release checks are carried out. Any fault with the release mechanism would be critical.

Before every flight, control checks are carried out. These ensure that the control surfaces are working as expected, and the pilot knows that he has tested them.

The crew wear parachutes.

Every glider has a placard which specifies the limits for the aircraft, including cockpit loading. If you wish to fly, it will be important to know your weight in pounds.

Once in the glider, the pre flight checks are carried out. You will see the letters C•B•S•I•F•T•C•B•E on the panel. These are a reminder about the checks and the order in which they are carried out.
They stand for:

Controls; Ballast; Straps; Instruments; Flaps; Trim; Canopy; Brakes; Eventualities;

In front of the pilot is the control panel, the pilot’s feet rest on the rudder pedals and the pilot’s hand is on the stick.