Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Tie Down Given a choice of where to tie down, always face into the wind. A crosswind tie down means that the aircraft will be trying to weather vane into the wind thus creating side loads on the landing gear. The rudder is the most easily damaged control surface. Cessna rudders will flop and bang in the wind unless exterior gust locks are applied. Since hydraulic systems can be influenced and damaged by external heat it is not a good idea to park with the parking brake locked on. Freezing weather may freeze the brake pads to the brake disk, too. If the ropes or chains are supplied at fixed anchor points it is best to have about 45 degree angles to the aircraft tiedown ring. If the ropes or chains slide on a cable they should be vertical to the aircraft. A tight rope is standard but it will lift the cable and poise a hazard to foot traffic. Chains usually have two hooks. The end hook goes into the aircraft tiedown eye and the other hook is used to shorten the chain. Ropes require that you become familiar with tying a bowline or half hitch. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM