What material is commonly used for aircraft rigging due to its strength-to-weight ratio?

The most suitable material for aircraft rigging, primarily due to its favorable strength-to-weight ratio, is aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight yet possesses sufficient strength to handle the dynamic loads and stresses encountered during flight. Its resistance to corrosion, especially when properly treated and alloyed, makes it an ideal choice for components subjected to various environmental conditions in aviation.

Steel, while strong, tends to be much heavier, which can negatively impact the overall weight and performance of an aircraft. Carbon fiber is a composite material with excellent strength properties, but it is not as commonly used for rigging as aluminum due to aspects like cost and complexity in manufacturing and joining processes. Plastic, on the other hand, lacks the necessary strength for load-bearing applications in rigging and is thus not a viable option for this specific use case.

Overall, aluminum strikes the right balance between strength and weight, making it the most advantageous choice for aircraft rigging.