[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 14, Volume 1] [Revised as of January 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 14CFR31.53] [Page 731] TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE CHAPTER I--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 31--AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: MANNED FREE BALLOONS--Table of Contents Subpart D--Design Construction Sec. 31.53 Drag rope. If a drag rope is used, the end that is released overboard must be stiffened to preclude the probability of the rope becoming entangled with trees, wires, or other objects on the ground.