LeeHop,

Suspension is from an open hook. The string is looped once or twice to prevent the string from sliding. The airplane should be at approximate flight attitude when picked up, which means that when the airplane is suspended it will be level.

The pendulum will always point to the GC.

The cradle is looped on both ends and the attach point (to the airplane) is relatively unimportant. A big loop goes around the tail feathers easily and doesn’t need to be changed for the next airplane. In the picture the loop went to the tail wheel bracket otherwise the loop slides up the fuselage.

The cradle works for upside down balancing for those who prefer. The airplane doesn’t know the difference.

Think about the process like a crane operator picking up an I-beam. The choke point (pick point) is important but the cable attachment points to the I-beam simply need to be towards the ends.

I use a string ratchet for suspension for convenience. Prevents tying so many knots.

Bill