SkyDrill

Slack in manila tie-down rope

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 22 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.K2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAbout how much slack should be left in a manila tie-down rope on a light aircraft?

  1. AAbout 1 foot
  2. BNone; the rope is pulled tight
  3. CAbout 1 inch
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. About 1 inch

  • A — incorrect Too much slack lets the aircraft jerk against the ropes in gusts; a foot of slack is far more than the roughly 1 inch the handbook specifies.
  • B — incorrect Tight tie-down ropes put inverted-flight stresses on the airframe, and many light aircraft are not designed to carry such loads.
  • C — correct Manila rope shrinks when wet, so the handbook calls for about 1 inch of slack to allow for movement without letting the aircraft jerk against the ropes.

BACKGROUND

Light aircraft are most often secured with ropes tied only at the aircraft tie-down rings provided for that purpose. Since manila rope shrinks when wet, about 1 inch of slack is 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 light aircraft are not designed to take such loads. Anti-slip knots such as the bowline are recommended because a tie-down rope holds no better than its knot.

STUDY TIP

Tie the number 1 inch to manila rope shrinkage; questions on tie-downs often test that single figure.

KEY POINTS

  • Leave about 1 inch of slack in manila tie-down rope.
  • Too much slack lets the aircraft jerk; too little puts inverted-flight loads on the structure.
  • Tie only to the aircraft tie-down rings, never to a lift strut.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Tie-Down Procedures for Land Planes" / "Securing Light Aircraft"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON GROUND OPERATIONS AND SERVICING

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.