Tow rope certification

I recently heard, from a usually reliable source, that after a recent launch incident, the FAA investigators wanted to see the operation's "certification" for their tow rope.

Is this certification a legal requirement? If so, how do you go about getting one?

Thanks,
Bob McKellar

On Wednesday, April 23, 2014 1:45:40 PM UTC-5, bobmckellar wrote:
I recently heard, from a usually reliable source, that after a recent launch incident, the FAA investigators wanted to see the operation's "certification" for their tow rope.



Is this certification a legal requirement? If so, how do you go about getting one?



Thanks,

Bob McKellar

never heard of a "certified" tow rope or the FAA wanting to know. Care to expand on the recent launch incident that brought on the request?

All I have is a multiple hand account, which is why I was looking for more direct info. It doesn't fit my experience either, but I'm a rookie.

Perhaps the label which came with the spool of rope is what they're looking
for. It should have the working and/or breaking strength listed. If memory
serves, in the absence of weak links at each end of the rope, the rope's
breaking strength must fall between 80% and 200% of the gross weight of the
glider being towed. I can't think of any other certification requirement.

"bobmckellar" wrote in message
...
All I have is a multiple hand account, which is why I was looking for more
direct info. It doesn't fit my experience either, but I'm a rookie.