For this exercise, if you are starting with a tether that you just uncoiled, start at the male connector (the end the will be attached to the operator control console). if you are using a TDS or a previously used tether that has been properly coiled using either of the preferred methods mentioned, pay out at least 20 meters (65 feet) and start near the TDS or coil.

As seen here, the tether is laid in a figure eight pattern. One loop of the figure 8 introduces a twist in one direction and the other loop introduces a twist in the opposite direction canceling out the first.

Begin at a point about 3 meters (10 Feet) from the male end, TDS or coil. Pull tether so the free end comes toward you and initiate a coil in a clockwise direction. When the loop is complete, create another loop next to the first loop in the counterclockwise direction. The loops should be about the same size and the starting direction really does not matter as long as you alternate directions for each loop. When the second loop is complete, you should have two equal loops side by side, or a figure eight. The size of the loops depends on the type and amount of tether you plan to deploy. Larger diameter and longer tethers should be coiled in larger loops. See the picture for an example of an appropriately sized figure eight coil based on tether type and length. Repeat this pattern alternating clockwise and counterclockwise loops side by side until you come to the end of the tether.

Now, have someone else pull the free end out for about 10 meters (30 feet) and while they are doing so, ensure that the tether unspools from the figure eight without pulling more than one loop at a time. The easiest way to do this is to hold the tether loosely above the center of the figure eight and allow it to be pulled through your hands and straight up off of the figure eight. Once the tether is paid out again, recoil the tether using the figure eight method again.

The reason for repeating this is to simulate what you will actually be doing during a job. As the tether handler, you are responsible for providing the pilot with enough tether to maneuver, but not too much to allow tangles to develop. You will likely be coiling and uncoiling the tether many times during a job. Even if you are using a TDS you may find it easier to manage the tether using figure eight or over / under coils rather than to constantly unwind and rewind the TDS.