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Chapter 11. Safety, Ground Operations, & Servicing Tiedown Procedures for Land Planes Securing Light Aircraft Light aircraft are most often secured with ropes tied only at the aircraft tiedown rings provided for securing purposes. Rope should never be tied to a lift strut, since this practice can bend a strut if the rope slips to a point where there is no slack. Manila rope shrinks when wet; about 1 inch (1") of slack should be provided for movement. Too much slack allows the aircraft to jerk against the ropes. Tight tiedown ropes put inverted flight stresses on the aircraft, many of which are not designed to take such loads. A tiedown rope holds no better than the knot. Anti-slip knots such as the bowline are quickly tied and are easy to untie. [Figure 11-10] Aircraft not equipped with tiedown fittings should be secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ropes should be tied to outer ends of struts on high-wing monoplanes, and suitable rings should be provided where structural conditions permit, if the manufacturer has not already provided them.
Securing Heavy Aircraft The normal tiedown procedure for heavy aircraft can be accomplished with rope or cable tiedown. The number of such tiedowns should be governed by anticipated weather conditions. Most heavy aircraft are equipped with surface control locks, which should be engaged or installed when the aircraft is secured. Since the method of locking controls will vary on different type aircraft, check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation or engaging procedures. If high winds are anticipated, control surface battens can also be installed to prevent damage. Figure 11-11 illustrates four common tiedown points on heavy aircraft.
The normal tiedown procedure for heavy aircraft should generally include the following:
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