Best Practices for Tying Down Small Aircraft

What are some best practices for tying down small aircraft?

Which statement(s) is/are true regarding tie down of small aircraft?

Answer:

Manila rope stretches when wet, making nylon or Dacron rope better for aircraft tie downs, this statement is true.

When considering the tie down of small aircraft, there are several best practices that should be followed to ensure the aircraft's safety. First, it's true that manila rope has a tendency to stretch when it gets wet, which can loosen the tie downs and make the aircraft less secure. Therefore, nylon or Dacron rope is preferred over manila rope for aircraft tie downs because of their better resistance to stretching and weathering.

Secondly, positioning the aircraft so that it is headed into the wind is crucial. This orientation minimizes wing lift which can occur if the aircraft is faced downwind, potentially causing it to move or even tip over during strong winds.

Lastly, the nose wheel or tail wheel should generally be locked during tie down to prevent unnecessary movement of the aircraft on the ground.