Portable Tie Downs

[hilltop170]

Hi Richard!

Can you explain one more step? On that last pic where you say "tie off the loose end", where are you tying to? The standing part of the rope above the loop? Or back up to the tie down ring?

Hope you are doing well. I sent you an email....

Keith

Hi Keith-
I edited the note under the last picture above to indicate you tie off the loose end back to the second loop with a couple of half-hitches

[hilltop170]

..........Richard also ties this upside down compared to the linked demonstration ..........

The reason I tie the trucker's knot "upside down" is because the rope has to be able to slide thru the tiedown ring while being tensioned. Where the rope is anchored to the ground may or may not be able to let the rope slide thru, as when anchored to stakes or wrapped around a tree trunk, etc.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

..........Richard also ties this upside down compared to the linked demonstration ..........

The reason I tie the trucker's knot "upside down" is because the rope has to be able to slide thru the tiedown ring while being tensioned. Where the rope is anchored to the ground may or may not be able to let the rope slide thru, as when anchored to stakes or wrapped around a tree trunk, etc.

I understand Richard. I was offering a reason you didn't recognize the truckers knot first linked. it is the same knot you tie. But you pull up and tie off with half hitches and a trucker would be puling down and tying off.

[hilltop170]

I agree, functionally they are the same knot but they are tied differently with my example being easier.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Now I see the difference. Your's does seem a bit simpler.

[hilltop170]

Not only easier to tie but if they have not been pulled too tight, by simply pulling on either side of the loops it unties itself. If pulled very tight, it will require a little working to untie.

[GAHorn]

Fly Ties are mfr'd/sold by one of our Members.
A set is often donated at conventions.

Ratchet-type straps are not usually strong enough, and they usually have open-ended hooks...to be totally avoided. Open hooks will Un-hook as the aircraft "rocks" in gusty conditions. The straps abrade at the ratchets and lose strength, and are rarely rated strength-wise anyway. Our airplanes are designed to easily lift 2200 lbs at 42 mph and sit in a high-angle-of-attack suitable for taking off. Unless the ropes are rated at least TWICE that amount they are unlikely to be suitable. Sunlight will deteriorate many synthetic materials, as will wet, mold, fungus, etc. Nylon is usually best and least expensive, and can be replaced affordably. Marine-grade anchor ropes, twisted, minimum of 3/8", and 1/2" or larger are excellent choices. Look for the "working" load ratings appropriate to your aircraft gross wt. Rappelling ropes may also be good choices.
Avoid Poly ropes.

Not intended for portability, and not necessarily the most advanced modern design, but a brochure worth visiting for airport development on a budget includes some crude, permanent tie downs is available from State of Texas. This brochure was intended for the small town or ranch owner, to assist in developing a simple airport. Page 21 suggests a permanent tie down. The accompanying text is useful for planning. (Think I'd make the lower-end of the concrete wider than the top, however):
https://www.mdt.mt.gov/aviation/docs/sa ... -guide.pdf

[hilltop170]

Hey George-
It looks like you have finally worked that post-retirement honey-do list down to the point you can get back onto the Forums. Welcome back! You have been missed!

[nippaero]

I just ordered a set of Fly Ties last week. They had a 15% discount through the end of July.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Hey George-
It looks like you have finally worked that post-retirement honey-do list down to the point you can get back onto the Forums. Welcome back! You have been missed!

George who?