Did a search but nothing specific. I understand the reasoning behind not using chains but ropes seem to leave a lot of opportunity for problems as well.
Cargo straps seem like the perfect choice, as long as the quality is there and they aren't cranked down too tight. So, why don't I see more pilots using them?
Also, how tight is too tight?

I flew the 206 to the ranch last week and it got very windy and I ended up worrying about it for the whole weekend.

What the working load of those ratchet straps you want to use? A C206 has a gross weight of what...3600# and will fly at 60mph? You going to trust two straps rated at 1200# each in a high wind? I sure wouldn't. I used static climbing rope rated at over 7k# and learned to tie a proper knot. I see more potential failure points with a ratchet strap than I do with a rope tied with a bowline and a hurricane hitch.

I tied my plane down as tight as I could with ropes; using the proper technique that is pretty dang tight.

I agree with whee, while they work really well and you can certainly get them strong enough, there are problems, namely rust and seizing and also they are fine if you use them but if some do gooder comes along and decides they are too loose the potential to winch the aircraft down to the point of overloading the wings definitely exists.

Get good quality climbing rope, its easy to tie, easy to undo and will last a lifetime.

What whee said.

Except I don't tie it down as hard as I can, I take out all the slack in the rope and then a little more so the rope has tension.

I carry three 25' lengths and two 50' lengths of climbing rope.

Climbing rope doesn't last very long for me. I use 2000 lb webbing, which is considerably stronger than it needs to be, but the margin allows for degradation. For tying up on the line, some 3000 lb polyester marine rode is preferable.

I can't figure out how my ~2000 # plane sitting on a ramp in a 60mph gale can generate enough force on a tie down strap to require more strength than that.

I use ratchet straps and i like them. The plane hasn't taken off in any strong winds yet. If i k ow its going to be REALLY windy I'll use 2 straps per side.

$20 harbor freight ratchet straps = $20 airplane.

Like the people who wear a $50 helmet. They must have a $50 head.


Decent polyester core, nylon cased rope tied in correct hurricane knots will hold better without leaving your plane to the mercy of third world made ratchet components.

(3) strand nylon line is my personal favorite. Tie downs, mooring, anchoring and good UV resistance.

I'm surprised most are against rachet straps.
I've been thinking about using these also. There is no end to the strength you can get. As long as you have a few wraps on the spool and it is fully dogged in it seems like it would be fool proof?

aussie bob wrote: but if some do gooder comes along and decides they are too loose the potential to winch the aircraft down to the point of overloading the wings definitely exists.

What he said...

I use cam buckle straps to tie down in normal conditions. I hurricane knot the straps after the the cam lock. I carry half inch climbing ropes, too. If the winds are going to be high I double up with the straps and the ropes. Best of both worlds. No chains or ratchets as discussed Mike

Go to a good marine supply store and find a line with the test (strength) that you are comfortable with and ask about the elasticity.

A bit of elasticity is a good thing as it absorbs shocks.

Also most marine lines resist getting brittle or frayed badly over time in the elements.

TD

The open hooks on the end get bad reviews because if the airplane moves at all and any slack is generated they can come off.

The quality / strength of the hooks on lower priced straps would be suspect.

Some claim that the flat webbing doesn't hold up well in the sun.

But, having said that, there is a Navion that has been rotting for years at ONZ that is tied down with ratchet straps. It's turned a few degrees over the years, but hasn't gone anywhere.

My personal preference is three strand nylon.

I guess that's why you see all the 100,000's of loads on the hi way tied down with ropes??

Also, just because your plane weighs 3600lb at gross and flys at 60mph, doesn't mean it is going to be pulling on those straps at 3600lb in a 60mph wind. It only means the straps will start to be pulled on at 60mph (assuming the wind is straight on the nose and what not). Remember, it has to lift the plane too.

I use the cambuckle straps but it is in a hangar most the time so sun rot is not an issue. Besides, it is just a $20 plane anyway...

Seems that the consensus is that straps aren't sturdy enough. If they weren't then why isn't rope used for all heavy hauling? I mean, straps are used for literally every application where large loads need to be absolutely secured, including inside most air cargo planes, where load shift can be fatal. If rope was so good why don't truckers use it? I certainly don't see our highways littered with broken ratchet straps and lost cargo.

I thought the issue would be tension or load on the wings. Basically that straps would tend to be cranked down too tightly and rope wouldn't or rather couldn't.

I think straps can work just fine, just use the right strap. Same goes for rope. I probably wouldn't use a harbor freight rope or strap to tiedown the plane, but better straps exist. Straps are commonly used on powered parachutes where one's life literally hangs from those straps and I've never heard of a failure... IMHO just use something with an adequate rating and proper hooks.

So how tight is too tight?

The straps used by truckers are for sure sturdy enough to secure an airplane but they are big, heavy, have the incorrect type of hooks and the ratchets are a mechanical device that can and will fail. Yes you can find a properly rated strap to secure your airplane but in my mind a rope is simpler, light and just fits the job better.

I use ratchet straps for hauling cars on a trailer (most of those straps were found on the side of the road ) because it is the right application of those straps. Same deal for me using cam straps to secure gear to my raft. Use what you think is best just make sure it is properly rated, it's not just your plane your keeping safe it is also all the planes parked close to you.

This company can custom make any strap you're looking for. Excellent customer service and back when I drove a race hauler, we used many products from this Idaho company.

For the plane, I would prefer closed loop hooks.

https://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/