Tying down the bird

On Mon, 15 Sep 2003 14:31:13 +0000, david whitley wrote:

I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this weekend.

Go to the FAA's site and get a copy of AC 20-35C, it has good info on
tieing down a plane. The best advice being to fly it out of that area,
first.

In my opinion, use ropes and not any sort of hook because many of them are
made of cheap metal and much weaker than the rope attached to it. I don't
like straps since I've seen many that look tough, but have a low breaking
strength. Whatever you use, make sure it can handle at least 3,000 lbs or
find something else.

There are pictures of knots in that circular I posted about. It's worth
the time to get it.

Go check out www.fepco.com. A "real" bush pilot will tell you how to do
it.

- Carl -


"Matthew P. Cummings" wrote in message
news
On Mon, 15 Sep 2003 14:31:13 +0000, david whitley wrote:

I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for
tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this
weekend.

Go to the FAA's site and get a copy of AC 20-35C, it has good info on
tieing down a plane. The best advice being to fly it out of that area,
first.

In my opinion, use ropes and not any sort of hook because many of them are
made of cheap metal and much weaker than the rope attached to it. I don't
like straps since I've seen many that look tough, but have a low breaking
strength. Whatever you use, make sure it can handle at least 3,000 lbs or
find something else.

There are pictures of knots in that circular I posted about. It's worth
the time to get it.




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In article ,
"david whitley" wrote:

Hi group
I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this weekend.
The ropes here on the Vineyard are poly-something.
A link to a picture would be nice.
Dave



Years ago, I read articles on tying down for tropical storms. What I can
remember is:

1. Tie down both the tail AND nosewheel (for tri-gear planes).

2. Stretch a 2x4 spanwise on each wing at the spar to kill lift and
attach it with ropes. (150 kt winds will cause a lot of lift.)

3. Make sure that all control surfaces have gust locks.

If it were my plane, I would fly it out of the storm path. Even if you keep
yours tied down safely, there could be a lot of flying debri in the air,
including other not so well tied down aircraft.

--
Regards,
Mike

"david whitley" wrote in message
...
Hi group
I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for
tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this weekend.
The ropes here on the Vineyard are poly-something.
A link to a picture would be nice.
Dave

Have you tried a Versatakle?

http://www.geocities.com/roo_two/Versatackle.html

Once you get the loop placement correct, you can leave them in the
line permanently and simply relace it whenever you need to tie down.
It's an easy way to get good line tension.

Hi group
I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this weekend.
The ropes here on the Vineyard are poly-something.
A link to a picture would be nice.
Dave



A taut line hitch. Look here on page 3:

(http://www.warrensdirectory.com/almanac/ropes&knots.pdf)

I use the double hitch part two or three times and finish it with a single.

BTW, the canoe hitch mentioned earlier would only serve to get the airplane
off your hands for insurance purposes.


No Spam

I have always used a Tautline hitch at the plane end. Allows for adjusting
to keep tight.
http://www.iland.net/~jbritton/tautlinehitch.htm
Has excellent instructions. Any First class boy scout can teach you too.
Any EAGLE scout should never have forgotten.
Bill Eagle Scout 1966,

"david whitley" wrote in message
...
Hi group
I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for
tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this weekend.
The ropes here on the Vineyard are poly-something.
A link to a picture would be nice.
Dave

Thanks alot for posting that, I had my own favorite but I think I have a
new one. That knot, the clove hitch, the bowline and the highwayman's hitch
are about all would ever need. Now I have to teach my son.

Wayne

I have always used a Tautline hitch at the plane end. Allows for adjusting
to keep tight.
http://www.iland.net/~jbritton/tautlinehitch.htm
Has excellent instructions. Any First class boy scout can teach you too.
Any EAGLE scout should never have forgotten.
Bill Eagle Scout 1966,

"david whitley" wrote in message
...
Hi group
I need some basic instruction.... I've been noticing tie down ropes. The
knots folks use are all over the map. Is there a basic "best" knot for
tying
down the bird? We're looking at windy weather here in the NE this
weekend.
The ropes here on the Vineyard are poly-something.
A link to a picture would be nice.
Dave