Aircraft Tie Down Procedures R1

Aircraft Tie Down Procedures
Preparation of Aircraft
Aircraft are to be tied down after each flight to prevent damage from sudden storms.
The direction that aircraft are to be parked and tied down is determined by prevailing or
forecast wind direction. Aircraft are to be headed into the wind, depending on the
locations of the parking area’s fixed tie-down points. Spacing of tie-downs need to
allow for ample wingtip clearance. [Figure 1] After the aircraft is properly located, lock
the nose wheel or the tail wheel in the fore-and-aft position.
Figure 1. Diagram of tiedown dimensions

Tie-Down Procedures for Land Planes
Securing Light Aircraft
Light aircraft are most often secured with ropes tied only at the aircraft tie-down rings
provided for securing purposes. Rope is never to 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. Since manila rope
shrinks when wet, about 1 inch (1") of slack needs to be provided for movement. Too
much slack, however, allows the aircraft to jerk against the ropes. Tight tie-down ropes
put inverted flight stresses on the aircraft and many are not designed to take such loads.
Figure 2. Knots commonly used for aircraft tie-down
A tie-down rope holds no better than the knot. Anti-slip knots, such as the bowline, are
quickly tied and are easy to untie. [Figure 2] Aircraft not equipped with tie-down
fittings must be secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ropes are
to be tied to outer ends of struts on high-wing monoplanes and suitable rings provided
where structural conditions permit, if the manufacturer has not already provided them.
Securing Heavy Aircraft
The normal tie-down procedure for heavy aircraft can be accomplished with rope or
cable tie-down. The number of tie-downs are governed by anticipated weather
conditions.
Most heavy aircraft are equipped with surface control locks that are engaged or installed
when the aircraft is secured. Since the method of locking controls vary on different
types of 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 3 illustrates four common tie-down points on heavy
aircraft.
Figure 3. Common tie-down points
The normal tie-down procedure for heavy aircraft includes the following:
1. Head airplane into prevailing wind whenever possible.
2. Install control locks, all covers, and guards.
3. Chock all wheels fore and aft. [Figure 4]
4. Attach tie-down reels to airplane tie-down loops, tie-down anchors, or tie-
down stakes. Use tie-down stakes for temporary tie-down only. If tie-down
reels are not available, 1⁄4" wire cable or 11⁄2" manila line may be used.
Figure 4. Wheels chocked fore and aft
Tie-Down Procedures for Seaplanes
Seaplanes can be moored to a buoy, weather permitting, or tied to a dock. Weather

causes wave action, and waves cause the seaplane to bob and roll. This bobbing and
rolling while tied to a dock can cause damage.
When warning of an impending storm is received and it is not possible to fly the aircraft
out of the storm area, some compartments of the seaplane can be flooded, partially
sinking the aircraft. Tie down the aircraft securely to anchors. Seaplanes tied down on
land have been saved from high-wind damage by filling the floats with water in addition
to tying the aircraft down in the usual manner. During heavy weather, if possible,
remove the seaplane from the water and tie down in the same manner as a land plane. If
this is not possible, the seaplane could be anchored in a sheltered area away from the
wind and waves.
Tie-Down Procedures for Ski Planes
Ski planes are tied down, if the securing means are available, in the same manner as
land planes. Ski-equipped airplanes can be secured on ice or in snow by using a device
called a dead-man. A dead-man is any item at hand, such as a piece of pipe, log, and so
forth, that a rope is attached to and buried in a snow or ice trench. Using caution to keep
the free end of the rope dry and unfrozen, snow is packed in the trench. If available,
pour water into the trench; when it is frozen, tie down the aircraft with the free end of
the rope.
Operators of ski-equipped aircraft sometimes pack soft snow around the skis, pour
water on the snow, and permit the skis to freeze to the ice. This, in addition to the usual
tie-down procedures, aids in preventing damage from windstorms. Caution must be
used when moving an aircraft that has been secured in this manner to ensure that a ski is
not still frozen to the ground. Otherwise, damage to the aircraft or skis can occur.
Tie-Down Procedures for Helicopters
Helicopters, like other aircraft are secured to prevent structural damage that can occur
from high-velocity surface winds. Helicopters are to be secured in hangars, when
possible. If not, they must be tied down securely. Helicopters that are tied down can
usually sustain winds up to approximately 65 mph. If at all possible, helicopters are
evacuated to a safe area if tornadoes or hurricanes are anticipated. For added protection,
helicopters can be moved to a clear area so that they are not damaged by flying objects
or falling limbs from surrounding trees.
Figure 5. Example of mooring of a helicopter
If high winds are anticipated with the helicopter parked in the open, tie down the main
rotor blades. Detailed instructions for securing and mooring each type of helicopter can
be found in the applicable maintenance manual. [Figure 5] Methods of securing
helicopters vary with weather conditions, the length of time the aircraft is expected to
remain on the ground, and location and characteristics of the aircraft. Wheel chocks,
control locks, rope tie-downs, mooring covers, tip socks, tie-down assemblies, parking
brakes, and rotor brakes are used to secure helicopters.
Typical mooring procedures are as follows:

1. Face the helicopter in the direction that the highest forecast wind or gusts are
anticipated.
2. Spot the helicopter slightly more than one rotor span distance from other
aircraft.
3. Place wheel chocks ahead of and behind all wheels (where applicable). On
helicopters equipped with skids, retract the ground handling wheels, lower
the helicopter to rest on the skids, and install wheel position lock pins or
remove the ground-handling wheels. Secure ground-handling wheels inside
the aircraft or inside the hangar or storage buildings. Do not leave them
unsecured on the flight line.
4. Align the blades and install tie-down assemblies as prescribed by the
helicopter manufacturer. [Figure 6] Tie straps snugly without strain, and
during wet weather, provide some slack to avoid the possibility of the straps
shrinking, causing undue stress on the aircraft and/or its rotor system(s).
5. Fasten the tie-down ropes or cables to the forward and aft landing gear cross
tubes and secure to ground stakes or tie-down rings.
Figure 6. Securing helicopter blades and fuselage
Procedures for Securing Weight-Shift-Control
There are many types of weight-shift-controlled aircraft—engine powered and non-

powered. These types of aircraft are very susceptible to wind damage. The wings can be
secured in a similar manner as a conventional aircraft in light winds. In high winds, the
mast can be disconnected from the wing and the wing placed close to the ground and
secured. This type of aircraft can also be partially disassembled or moved into a hangar
for protection.
Procedures for Securing Powered Parachutes
When securing powered parachutes, pack the parachute in a bag to prevent the chute
from filling with air from the wind and dragging the seat and engine. The engine and
seat can also be secured if needed.

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Aircraft Tie Down Procedures

Figure 1. Diagram of tiedown dimensions

Securing Light Aircraft

Figure 2. Knots commonly used for aircraft tie-down

Figure 3. Common tie-down points

Figure 4. Wheels chocked fore and aft

Tie-Down Procedures for Seaplanes

Seaplanes can be moored to a buoy, weather permitting, or tied to a dock. Weather

Tie-Down Procedures for Ski Planes

Tie-Down Procedures for Helicopters

Figure 5. Example of mooring of a helicopter

Typical mooring procedures are as follows:

Figure 6. Securing helicopter blades and fuselage

Procedures for Securing Weight-Shift-Control

There are many types of weight-shift-controlled aircraft—engine powered and non-

Procedures for Securing Powered Parachutes

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