What kind of rope is best to tie down an aircraft?

• A. Nylon or polypropylene
• B. Cotton
• C. Leather
• D. Wool

Answer: (A)

Rope for tying down an aircraft must stay strong and endure outdoor exposure. It should resist moisture, sun, abrasion, and not creep under gusts. Natural fibers like cotton, leather, and wool absorb water and degrade quickly in sun and weather, so they’re not suitable for outdoor tie-downs. Synthetic ropes such as nylon and polypropylene provide the needed strength and durability; nylon offers high tensile strength and abrasion resistance with a bit of give to absorb gusts, while polypropylene is lighter, resists water, and is cost-effective—useful in certain situations. In practice, nylon or polypropylene is preferred for tie-downs, rather than natural fibers.