Picket Your Aircraft Against Wind Damage

Every year aircraft are needlessly damaged by wind gusts because of inattention to forecasts, negligence or inadequate tie-downs. Before the windier months – and whenever strong winds are forecast – it pays to brush up on picketing techniques and other precautions against wind damage to parked aircraft.

Ideally, secure the aircraft in a storm-proof hangar or other suitable shelter. If hangarage isn't available, the remaining option is to tie the aircraft down securely in a suitable location. Many New Zealand aerodromes have only a limited number of fixed tie-down points, and these may be reserved for local aircraft. If a fixed tie-down isn't available, find a sheltered spot to park.

Carry a picket kit

This may mean using your own pickets. It's a good idea to carry a set in case you're stuck at a remote aerodrome with no other way to secure the aircraft. A picket set should include:

• six steel stakes
• three crossover tubes
• three ropes of appropriate length
• a mallet or hammer

all stowed in a bag. Include the pickets in your weight and balance calculations, and stow them securely so they don't become a problem in turbulence.

Choosing where and how to picket

• Pickets can pull out under strain if the ground is soft or becomes wet.
• Coiled pickets are difficult to get into stony ground and more likely to pull out of soft ground.
• Crossover pickets are the most suitable, as they're more likely to stay put even if the ground gets wet.
• Lead the underwing ropes to points outboard and forward of the underwing attachment points.
• Hammer pickets all the way into the ground, always in front of the wing.

For more detail, see the CAA's Secure your aircraft GAP booklet.