CS 22.497  Tail skid impact

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

(a) Except as provided in (b), if the c.g. of the unloaded sailplane – in side view – is situated behind the ground contact area of the main landing gear, the rear portion of the fuselage, the tail skid and the empennage must be designed to withstand the loads arising when the tail landing gear is raised to its highest possible position, consistent with the main wheel remaining on the ground, and is then released and allowed to fall freely. 

(b) If the c.g. in all loading conditions is situated behind the ground contact area of the main landing gear (a) need not be applied.